Patients in Leeds to benefit from new pain management app

It is hoped the app will relieve the burden placed on the NHS, while allowing patients the knowledge, skills and guidance to manage their own pain.

The app, called PainSense, has been created by Saltaire-based technology company ADI (Advanced Digital Institute) and will be trialled in the Leeds and West Yorkshire area before being rolled out across other regions of the UK within the next six months.

Harrogate-based digital health specialist Inhealthcare has played an instrumental part in integrating the app into the pain management pathway and GP systems so patient data can be transferred safely and securely. This means it can also be easily accessed before and during consultations.

Dr Jamie O’Shea of Leeds West NHS CCG commented: “The Pain Toolkit app has recently been introduced in Leeds to encourage supported self-management of persistent pain. I have introduced this app to several patients who have unanimously provided extremely positive feedback and I am very confident we will see improved outcomes for this cohort of individuals.”

Huw Jones of ADI added: “The app has been developed with patients and healthcare professionals over a 2-year period. So far the reaction has been extremely positive.

“It could revolutionise the doctor-patient relationship for the estimated 8 million people in the UK suffering with pain. The app includes two related elements in the form of the established Pain Toolkit, which contains a wealth of information and assessment tools, and the Pain Management Plan that helps the patient structure a plan to manage their experience of pain.

“Since April, when the new pain pathway was introduced, enabled by the app, there appears to be a marked reduction in the number of people needing hospital care.”

For more information visit http://www.adi-uk.com/adi-health.html or download the app from the iTunes App Store or Google Store.