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Assessing Pain Interference, Function, and Disability in Chronic Pain Using Smartphone Sensors: A Survey Study

A survey study assessing opinions on the use of smartphone sensing for clinical purposes among adolescents with chronic pain and their parents

Principal Investigator: Joe Kossowsky, PhD, MMSc
Collaborators: Bobbie Riley, MD, Kristen Uhl, PhD, and Christine Greco, MD
Research Staff: Justin Chimoff, BS and Camila Koike

What is the purpose of this study?
We are conducting this research study to understand how adolescent patients with chronic pain and their parents feel and think about the use of data gathered from smartphones being used for clinical care and research purposes. For this purpose, both adolescent patients and their parents will fill out an online, 30 minute web survey about their concerns and opinions on the utility of this technology and if they would hypothetically want to participate in a study that gathers information from their smartphones for clinical and research purposes. We hope to learn more about how we can design future studies using smartphone data in such a way that adolescent patients and their parents would find it acceptable and useful.

What does the study involve?
If you agree to participate, you will be provided a link to the online, 30 minute survey. You will be presented with a short video and description of the various smartphone sensors that could be used for treatment and research for your condition. You and one of your parents will be asked to answer some questions about each sensor.

Who is eligible to participate?
You can participate if you: 

  • Are between 13 to 18 years of age 
  • Are receiving treatment for a chronic pain condition at Boston Children’s Hospital 
  • Have a parent or guardian that can also participate

Will I receive payment for this study?
As a token of appreciation for your time and participation in the study, both you and a parent/guardian will each receive a $15 Amazon gift card after completing the survey. 

Primary Contact Information
Justin Chimoff
justin.chimoff@childrens.harvard.edu
617-877-0014