Do pain management apps use evidence-based psychological components? A systematic review of app content and quality

Figures & data

Figure 1. PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart.

Table 1. Description of apps

App (developer)	Target audience	Data privacy and security	Cost	App description	PCC(/18)	MARS (/5)
Curable Pain Relief (Curable Inc.)	Adults	https://www.curablehealth.com/privacy	Full program US$12.81/month	A virtual coach takes users through tailored lessons and exercises, helping them understand the cycle of pain and mind–body interactions	12	4.38
Pathways Pain Relief (Pathways)	Adults	https://www.pathways.health/privacy-policy/	Full program US$69.99/year	A guided pain relief program to provide those experiencing pain with comprehensive pain management skills	12	4.13
Vivify (Vivify AS)	Adults with back and neck pain	https://vivify-app.com/privacy/	US$59/year	A 28-day program consisting of education videos, meditations, exercises, and guided walks	10	4.13
WebMAP Mobile (Seattle Children’s Hospital)	Teens	No information found	Free	A 6-week psychoeducational program teaching teens behavioral and cognitive skills to manage pain and improve their ability to engage in daily activities	9	3.88
Beatpain (Smith & Co Trust)	Adults	https://www.beatpain.app/privacy-policy/<Q32/>	Free	A guided program providing a pain tracker, daily coaching system, and weekly solutions to deal with pain based on the user’s self-identified needs	9	2.25
iBeatPain for Teens (Take The Wind Lda)	Teens	No information found	Free	Provides tips on daily steps that teens can take to get their lives back and return to normal daily functioning	7	2.50
Managing OA Pain (Michael Pincus)	Adults with knee OA	https://appcdn.media/privacy/?app=ManagingOAPain	Free	Offers eight weekly sessions including CBT and self-help techniques for individuals with knee OA. Sessions consist of both video and written instruction	7	2.00
Branch (Ouchie LLC)	Adults	https://branch.health/privacy	Free	Users can track their symptoms, connect with peers, and get advice from medical professionals	6	3.63
Pain Toolkit (Advanced Digital Innovations [UK] Ltd)	Adults	http://pain-sense.co.uk/privacy-policy/	Full program £4.99	A digital version of the Pain Toolkit booklet written by Pete Moore and Dr. Frances Cole that includes 12 self-help tools, a diary, and self-assessment tools	5	2.75
Mayv (Dala Inc.)	Adults	https://app.termly.io/document/privacy-policy/971bc389-09d9-4c09-b556-004db4015144	Full features US$13/month	A suite of pain management tools including an in-app community to allow users to connect and share experiences. A 4-week mind–body program includes deep dives into specific topics (e.g., sleep, nutrition), daily mindfulness practices, and a tool for quick relief	4	3.13
Manage My Pain (ManagingLife Inc.)	Adults	https://managemypainapp.com/privacy-policy	US$4/month for Pro version	Users can record their feeling, medications, and whether they engaged in meaningful activities. Charts of user’s records over time can assist users in recognizing patterns and trends (Pro version provides reports >30 days)	2	3.00
Achy Penguin (For Jack and Jill LLC)	Children	http://forjackandjill.com/privacy.html	Free	This app incorporates techniques such as breathing, relaxation, visualization, and distraction	2	2.38

PCC = Psychological Components Checklist; OA = osteoarthritis.