A hitchhiker’s guide to wearable tech for the study of chronic pain in the wild

Diego VitaliDiego Vitali, University of Bath (UK)

Abstract: Sensor data capture can support the systematic assessment of many relevant factors in the development and maintenance of chronic pain, such as stress, mood, physical activity, sleep, social interactions, and pain behaviours. These biological, psychological, and social factors are intertwined in the emergence and development of chronic pain. Current technological advances provide researchers and clinicians with access to a vast choice of methodologies to both generate and analyse data. Despite the opportunities to use technology to collect accurate and systematic observations inside and outside the lab, application of these technologies in natural contexts is complex and very little studied. I will present the range of sensors currently used or usable in the wild to study chronic pain. I will discuss critical issues related to ground truth when interpreting sensor data collected in the wild. On the basis of our recent scoping review, I will discuss the key strengths and weaknesses of sensor setups in the wild – whether standalone or as multiple sensor deployments. Through this talk I aim to provide an overview of the issues to consider to make effective, feasible and pragmatic use of technology in the wild.

Bio: With a PhD in psychology specializing in chronic pain, Dr. Vitali is both a clinical psychologist and a research fellow at CRIISP (Consortium to Research Individual, Interpersonal and Social Factors in Pain). In this post his focus is on using data science and sensor technology to advance our understanding of the psychosocial aspects of chronic pain. Prior to this, Diego worked in industry developing and maintaining data collection pipelines for patient reported outcomes. His enduring passion for technology and open-source software drives his engagement beyond the realm of psychology.