ID: 220996 Use of Remote Physiological Monitoring to Track Patient Well-Being During the SCS Trial

Abstract

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for chronic intractable back pain is often prescribed after a successful trial period in which a patient demonstrates a sufficient reduction in pain intensity. Currently, the decision of whether to recommend a patient for permanent implant relies upon one or two snapshots from a subjective rating scale (e.g., Numerical Rating Scale, Percent Pain Reduction, Visual Analog Scale). However, subjective rating scales are subject to variability from un-controlled external sources [1]. Additionally, chronic pain is a complex multi-dimensional struggle, and resolution of symptoms may also be manifest via improvements to mental, physical, and social well-being [2]. This research demonstrates proof-of-concept for a remote monitoring system to track and report patient well-being using objective physiologic data collected before, during, and after the SCS trial period.