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Lessons from a chronic pain digital health trial
The pilot explored whether an app could help people with chronic pain track symptoms, test interventions and share insights.
The StudyU pilot tested a digital self-management app to help people with chronic pain identify which treatments work best for them.
Chronic pain is one of the most common presentations seen in Australian general practice, affecting around one in five people and shaping a significant proportion of GP consultations. Yet many patients still spend years searching for effective, personalised care.
Against this backdrop, a University of Queensland-led study has demonstrated how digital innovation can empower patients and support more tailored approaches to managing chronic pain.
Led by Associate Professor Nancy Sturman and supported by the Foundation and Medibank Better Health Research Hub, the StudyU pilot introduced a mobile app that allows patients to run structured self-trials.
Instead of relying on trial and error alone, patients could track their symptoms daily, compare different interventions, and generate reports to share with their GP, with the aim of bringing greater clarity to what works for each individual.
‘It’s about moving beyond try it and see to something more structured,’ Associate Professor Sturman told newsGP.
Patients who engaged with the app said they valued the sense of control it gave them, with some continuing to use the approach beyond the study.
While the pilot was small, it delivered powerful insights into how innovation can succeed in real world general practice, with the study confirming strong interest from both clinicians and patients.
‘I certainly don’t think we can conclude that this kind of digital health support won’t work in general practice,’ Associate Professor Sturman said.
‘One of the insights was just how busy and overloaded patients with persistent pain can be.
‘In a way, how tough it can be for them to find the headspace to embark on something new.’
The project also highlighted opportunities to expand how care is delivered.
When an allied health practitioner was involved in recruitment, patient engagement increased, reflecting the value of multidisciplinary care, particularly for conditions as complex as chronic pain.
‘GPs were very supportive of the concept of digitally enabled self-tests,’ Associate Professor Sturman noted, reinforcing that appetite for innovation already exists within primary care.
The findings are already informing the next phase of research, including work with patients on waiting lists for pain clinics, where delays can be significant.
Future work will refine how tools like StudyU are introduced, supported, and integrated into care, ensuring they align more closely with both patient needs and clinical workflows.
The Australian General Practice Research Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the RACGP, supporting GP-led research.
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