iCanCope With Pain: Usability and Feasibility Testing of a Smartphone Application to Manage Pain in Youth With Arthritis

iCanCope With Pain: Usability and Feasibility Testing of a Smartphone Application to Manage Pain in Youth With Arthritis

This study will look at the use and impact of smartphone application (app) for adolescents with ongoing pain caused by their juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).The current project will include three studies. First, the investigators conducted usability sessions with adolescents with JIA to refine the app so that it is usable, acceptable and understandable. The aim of this study is to look at (a) how regularly the "iCanCope with Pain" app is used and (b) any effect the app has on young people's health. This study will compare two groups of young people: one that is using the new app, and one that receives usual medical care.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Aged 12-18 years
2. Diagnosed with JIA (36) as per their rheumatologist
3. Able to speak and read English
4. Have self-reported average arthritis-related pain in the past week of >3 on 10cm visual analogue scale (VAS)
5. Willing to complete online study outcome measures

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Moderate to severe cognitive impairments as per their healthcare provider
2. Major co-morbid psychiatric [conversion disorder, depression, anxiety disorder] illnesses that may impact their ability to understand and use the "iCanCope with Pain" intervention as per their rheumatologist
3. Received more than 4 CBT sessions for pain management in the past 6 months, as per their healthcare provider and self-report
4. Patients from the department of haematology/oncology