Challenges in Utilizing Telehealth for Chronic Pain

AbstractPurpose of ReviewChronic pain in the USA has presented with higher prevalence rates among women, older adults, those unemployed, living in poverty, living in rural environments, and adults with public health insurance. The COVID-19 pandemic has heavily played into the biopsychosocial model of pain. Consequently, greater impacts have affected patients with mood disorders, opioid abuse, and chronic pain. Concurrently, telemedicine has become a popular vehicle during the COVID-19 pandemic in continuing to provide quality patient care. The purpose of this article is to review the benefits and challenges related to the delivery of telemedicine for patients with chronic pain.Recent FindingsThe benefits of telemedicine have been examined from patient psychosocial and convenience factors as well in relation to medical practice efficiency. Within chronic pain management, one of telemedicine ’s most effective utilization is seen via post-injection follow-up and assessment of further necessary interventions. Challenges also exist in this framework, from lack of physical examination and convenient close therapeutic monitoring and drug screening, to technological and resource cost capabi lities of older and disadvantaged chronic pain patients, to barriers in establishing patient-provider rapport. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth services were covered at rates comparable to in-person visits. Health insurance coverage and payment were major barriers for implementation of t...
Source: Current Pain and Headache Reports - Category: Neurology Source Type: research