The effect of telehealth on pain management: Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the impact of telehealth on pain management. The inception of telehealth as a revolutionary method in healthcare delivery, particularly in pain management, has become increasingly prominent, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The review will follow the PRISMA-P guidelines, incorporating randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare telehealth interventions with non-telehealth controls for pain management in diverse populations, settings, and clinical conditions. Only English-language studies, published from 2018 onwards, will be included. Eligibility criteria are based on the PICOS framework, focusing on two-arm RCTs. The search will encompass major databases like PubMed and the Cochrane Library, with subsequent screening and data extraction conducted by independent reviewers. Risk of bias will be assessed using the ROB 2 tool. A random-effects meta-analysis will synthesize evidence, adjusting for heterogeneity and potential biases. The GRADE tool will evaluate the quality of evidence. This study aims to comprehensively assess telehealth's effectiveness in pain management, addressing knowledge gaps and guiding future research, policy development, and clinical practice. Its findings are expected to inform healthcare professionals and policymakers, aiding in the integration of telehealth into pain management strategies and adapting to the changing landscape of healthcare delivery in a digital age.