Digital Pain Manikin

This study is looking at whether it is feasible for people with long-term musculoskeletal conditions to self-report their pain using a smartphone app.

Pain is a subjective experience and needs to be collected directly from people when they experience it.  Whilst there are many questionnaires available to self-report pain, they often have limitations. Previous research has suggested that pain drawings, sometimes called a ‘manikin’ may solve these.

The research team behind this study have developed and evaluated a test version of the ‘Manchester Digital Pain Manikin’ app.  They are now looking to further test with people who have a musculoskeletal pain condition to make sure they find it usable and acceptable for self-reporting their pain.

The survey is being carried out by the Centre for Health Informatics and the Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis at the University of Manchester.