Current smartphone applications for the management
of chronic pain rarely adhere to evidence-based
guidelines and may be doing more harm than good.
Findings from this study support the imminent need
for the start of a collaborative effort between app
developers and health-care professionals. The establishment
of a professional regulatory body certifying
the quality of apps may also reduce the chances of
individuals being misled. Certification of best quality
apps would ensure that app users make an
informed choice before deciding whether to download
a particular app or not. Although few apps recommend
or link the user to proven psychological
treatments, future apps may nonetheless serve as
useful tool for the management of chronic pain conditions.
Development of evidence-based apps, rigorous
evaluation of long-term outcomes and the
possibility of testing in randomized controlled trials
are important in enhancing the potential and effectiveness
of these apps.