Development of a "Pain Therapy App" Innovation for Pain Assessment in Patients with Office Syndrome and Musculoskeletal Pain at Khanai Health Promoting Hospital, Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This research and development study aimed to develop a Pain Therapy App innovation for pain assessment among patients with office syndrome and musculoskeletal pain receiving therapeutic massage services at Khanai Sub-district Health Promoting Hospital in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The sample consisted of 60 participants selected by purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria required participants to be diagnosed with office syndrome and musculoskeletal pain by a licensed physician or a certified traditional Thai medicine practitioner. Research instruments included a needs assessment and smartphone skills survey, an innovation efficiency evaluation form, and a satisfaction questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations. The research findings revealed that the Pain Therapy App developed through the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation (ADDIE). Model, provided patient-facing functions comprising HN code and national identification number registration, pre- and post-service pain recording and assessment, pain location identification, and self-care recommendations delivered via Ruesi Dutton (Thai traditional exercise) instructional video clips. Healthcare providers were able to download stored data for health analysis and treatment planning. The overall efficiency evaluation was rated at a high level (M = 3.92, SD = 0.48) and the feasibility mean score was also at a high level (M = 4.09, SD = 0.38). User satisfaction with the application was similarly rated at a high level (M = 3.93, SD = 0.48). Therefore, to maximize benefits, this innovation should be implemented by Thai Traditional Medicine units in other sub-district health promoting hospitals. This would enhance service efficiency, reduce data collection errors, and encourage patients to take a more active role in their own healthcare. It is recommended that the Pain Therapy App be expanded for use among traditional Thai medicine practitioners in other sub-district health promoting hospitals to enhance service efficiency, reduce data recording errors, and promote greater patient engagement in personal health management.