Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring: The Benefits, Limitations, And Clinical Implications for Chronic Pain Management in The Context of Digital Health Transformation

Abstract

Background: Telemedicine, a vital component of telehealth, has gained prominence as a means to deliver healthcare services remotely, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift has significantly impacted chronic pain management, addressing challenges such as increased isolation and limited access to traditional healthcare services.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on publications from 2013 to 2023. The review synthesized findings on telemedicine modalities, implementation models, benefits, limitations, and ethical considerations in the context of chronic pain treatment.

Results: The analysis revealed that various telemedicine modalities, including video consultations, remote monitoring, and mobile health applications, effectively enhance patient access to pain management services. These technologies enable ongoing patient engagement, facilitate timely interventions, and foster self-management. Despite these benefits, challenges such as technological barriers, reduced interpersonal interaction, and limitations in physical examination persist, necessitating careful consideration of patient suitability for telemedicine.

Conclusion: Telemedicine represents a promising avenue for improving chronic pain management, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. While it offers significant advantages in terms of accessibility and patient empowerment, further research is needed to address existing limitations and optimize integration into standard clinical practice. Future developments should focus on enhancing communication, refining digital health tools, and ensuring equitable access to telehealth services.