Evaluation of the use of digital pens for pain assessment in palliative home healthcare.

An information system supporting pain assessment in palliative home healthcare was implemented at the hospital-based home care clinic of University Hospital in Linköping, Sweden. Using digital pens and pain diaries, pain assessments were sent from the patients' home to the professional caregiver. A total of 12 patients participated in the study. Patients, spouses and professional caregivers were interviewed. Qualitative content analyses were performed on the study material. All patients managed to use the pain assessment method, they experienced an improved contact with the caregivers and had a sense of increased security. After an initial cautious outlook the caregivers experienced positive outcomes for themselves and their patients. The medical records showed that the method had had impact on treatment. In conclusion, the home healthcare solution provided an effortless method for pain assessment with a high degree of user acceptance for palliative patients and had positive influences on the care.