Patients Use Touchscreen Technology To Record Pain And Distress

Main Category: Pain / Anesthetics
Also Included In: Cancer / Oncology;  Medical Devices / Diagnostics
Article Date: 19 Nov 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Cancer patients in Newcastle, NSW, have been taking part in a unique Australian trial to record levels of pain and distress using touchscreen technology.

When out-patients see their doctor at Calvary Mater Newcastle, they use touchscreen computers to complete pain and distress "thermometers", as well as a brief psychological assessment. Dr Kerrie Clover, from the Centre for Brain and Mental Health, said the system automatically issues clinician alerts for patients who exceed pain or distress thresholds, as well as providing cancer care coordinators with instant electronic access to patient updates.

"Up to one in four patients exceeds pain and distress thresholds," Dr Clover said. "Using this type of technology helps us more rapidly diagnose patients, so we can ensure they get required treatment and support as quickly as possible."

The touchscreen trial will be presented today (19/11) to the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting in Sydney.

Presentation: 12pm, Room 105

Australia's leading meeting of cancer experts
Clinical Oncological Society of Australia Annual Scientific Meeting
Sydney Convention Centre - November 18-20, 2008

What is pain?

For more information on what pain is and possible treatments, please see:
What is Pain? What Causes Pain?