Efficacy of digital health technologies in patients with chronic pain: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is a prevalent condition that severely impacts patients' quality of life and poses a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Digital health technologies (DHTs) have emerged as a potential solution for chronic pain management by improving accessibility, self-management, and personalized care. However, existing studies report inconsistent results regarding the efficacy of these technologies, and no clear consensus has been reached on their clinical effectiveness and safety. Given the current uncertainty in the evidence, this study aims to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic effects of digital health technologies in patients with chronic pain through a systematic review. OBJECTIVES: This protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy of digital health technologies in improving pain management, functional status, and mental health in patients with chronic pain. METHODS: A systematic search will be conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Embase from inception to August 30, 2025. Individual randomized controlled trials (iRCTs) evaluating the efficacy of digital health interventions in patients with chronic pain will be included. The primary outcome is pain intensity, assessed using standardized tools such as the visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes include physical function, sleep quality, quality of life, and adverse events. Two researchers will independently perform study selection, data extraction, risk-of-bias assessment, and evidence quality evaluation. Data analysis will be conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Meta-analysis will be performed if heterogeneity is low; otherwise, a qualitative synthesis will be provided. DISCUSSION: This study will be the first comprehensive systematic review evaluating digital health technologies for chronic pain management. The findings will provide evidence-based support for clinical practice and health policy formulation, promoting the standardized application of these technologies in pain management. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD420251061767.