Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41955535›Full record

Trial reportJMIR human factors2026

Participant Engagement With a Digital Behavioral Health App for Chronic Pain: Descriptive Secondary Analysis of a Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial.

Susan M Zbikowski, Jo Masterson, Yohali Burrola-Mendez, Chialing Hsu, Kris Pui Kwan Ma, Ying Zhang, Deanna Waters, Kari A Stephens

Abstract readRandomized Controlled Trial
In one paragraph

Trial report in JMIR human factors, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

8 authors.

Susan M Zbikowski2Morrow, Inc, 12020 113th Ave NE, Ste 295, Kirkland, WA, 98034, United States, 1 833-344-8425.ORCID 0000-0002-9602-0545
Jo Masterson2Morrow, Inc, 12020 113th Ave NE, Ste 295, Kirkland, WA, 98034, United States, 1 833-344-8425.ORCID 0000-0003-4783-4806
Yohali Burrola-MendezDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.ORCID 0000-0001-9357-7543
Chialing HsuDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.ORCID 0009-0000-6898-0162
Kris Pui Kwan MaDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.ORCID 0000-0003-4198-0052
Ying ZhangDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-1846-962X
Deanna Waters2Morrow, Inc, 12020 113th Ave NE, Ste 295, Kirkland, WA, 98034, United States, 1 833-344-8425.ORCID 0000-0002-0142-1267
Kari A StephensDepartment of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.ORCID 0000-0002-2520-5526

Funding

Transform Dissemination and Implementation Science in CTSA ProgramsUL1TR002319 · NCATS · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · PI John K. Amory · 2017 to 2026
$100.0M
HEAL - Development and implementation of a provider prescribed, behavioral digital therapeutic designed to support, educate, screen and remotely monitor patients with chronic painR44AT011593 · NCCIH · 2MORROW, INC · PI MASTERSON, JO, WATERS, DEANNA · 2021 to 2023
$1.9M
NCATS NIH HHS UL1 TR002319NCCIH NIH HHS R44 AT011593
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a widespread condition that impairs quality of life and is often managed primarily with medications. National guidelines now recommend nonpharmacologic, mind-and-body, and behavioral approaches as first-line or complementary treatments. However, access to these evidence-based options remains limited. Digital health technologies offer a scalable way to deliver integrative, self-care interventions that empower patients to live well with pain. Objective: This study examined engagement with and perceived usefulness of a patient- and health care professional-informed mobile app designed to deliver behavioral and educational content to support pain self-management. Methods: Adult primary care patients with chronic pain were enrolled in a 12-week feasibility trial. The app included lessons addressing the physical, emotional, and social aspects of pain; tracking and personalized insights; self-screenings; and optional in-app coaching. Participants completed baseline and 3-month surveys assessing usability and satisfaction. Engagement was evaluated through app analytics and milestone completion. Results: Of 49 patients assigned to the app, 40 (81.6%) activated it. Participants used the app for an average of 27.3 (SD 25.2) unique days and completed an average of 25.5 (SD 22.5) core lessons. Engagement highlights included 42.5% (17/40) completion of the valued living module, 25.0% (10/40) completion of all lessons, and 50.0% (20/40) use of daily check-ins. Usability ratings were high, with 86.7% (26/30) reporting that the app helped them better understand or manage their pain and 90.0% (27/30) recommending it to others. Conclusions: Adults with chronic pain engaged with the program and reported high satisfaction with this evidence-informed digital mind-and-body intervention. Findings from this feasibility study suggest the potential for digital tools to support access to nonpharmacologic, integrative pain self-care and complement traditional clinical approaches.

Indexed as

Chronic PainMobile ApplicationsPain ManagementPatient ParticipationAdultAgedDigital HealthFeasibility StudiesFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedSelf Careacceptance and commitment therapybehavioral healthchronic paindigital healthself-management

Identifiers

PMID41955535
PMCPMC13065234

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.