There is growing evidence to support the potential benefit of e-Health interventions targeting psychosocial outcomes and/or pain-related psychological variables for chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). This systematic review aims at providing an in-depth description of the available e-Health psychological and/or multicomponent interventions for patients with FMS. Searches were made in PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and PsycINFO up to 15 May 2023, finally including twenty-six articles. The quality of the included articles was medium–high (average quality assessment score of 77.1%). 50% of studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (n = 13), and the majority of them focused exclusively on adult patients with FMS (n = 23) who were predominantly female. Four categories of e-Health modalities were identified: web-based (n = 19), mobile application (m-Health) (n = 3), virtual reality (VR) (n = 2), and video consulting (n = 2). Interventions were mainly based on the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) approach (n = 14) and mostly involved contact with a healthcare professional through different digital tools. Overall, a growing number of psychological and multicomponent interventions have been created and delivered using digital tools in the context of FMS, showing their potentiality for improving psychosocial outcomes and pain-related psychological variables. However, some digital tools resulted as underrepresented, and the literature on this topic appears highly heterogeneous precluding robust conclusions.

Background: Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is highly present among older adults, affecting their physical, psychological, and social functioning. A biopsychosocial multimodal approach to CNCP management is currently extensively suggested by international clinical practice guidelines. Recently, the growing development and application of eHealth within pain management has yielded encouraging results in terms of effectiveness and feasibility; however, its use among the older population remains underexamined. Objective: The overall aim of this scoping review was to systematically map existing literature about eHealth multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) targeting older adults with CNCP. Methods: This review adhered to the JBI methodology, a protocol was a priori registered as a preprint on the medRxiv platform, and the results were reported according to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and PsycINFO) were systematically searched for relevant articles. Studies were included if they reported on multimodal interventions (including both physical and psychosocial components) delivered through any eHealth modality to an older population with any type of CNCP. Two reviewers selected the studies: first by screening titles and abstracts and second by screening full-text articles. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality Assessment Tool for Studies with Diverse Designs. The results of the studies were summarized narratively. Results: A total of 9 studies (n=6, 67% published between 2021 and 2023) with quality rated as medium to high were included, of which 7 (78%) were randomized controlled trials (n=5, 71% were pilot and feasibility studies). All the included studies evaluated self-management interventions, most of them (n=7, 78%) specifically designed for older adults. The participants were aged between 65 and 75 years on average (mean 68.5, SD 3.5 y) and had been diagnosed with different types of CNCP (eg, osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain). Most of the included studies (5/9, 56%) involved the use of multiple eHealth modalities, with a higher use of web-based programs and video consulting. Only 1 (11%) of the 9 studies involved a virtual reality–based intervention. The evaluated interventions showed signs of effectiveness in the targeted biopsychosocial outcomes, and the participants’ engagement and ratings of satisfaction were generally positive. However, several research gaps were identified and discussed. Conclusions: Overall, of late, there has been a growing interest in the potential that eHealth multimodal interventions offer in terms of improving pain, physical, and psychosocial outcomes in older adults with CNCP. However, existing literature on this topic still seems scarce and highly heterogeneous, with few proper randomized controlled trials, precluding robust conclusions. Several gaps emerged in terms of the older population considered and the lack of evaluation of comorbidities. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID): RR2-10.1101/2023.07.27.23293235

Background: Chronic noncancer pain (CNCP) is a major health issue among the older population, affecting multiple aspects of individual functioning. Recently, the use of eHealth solutions has been proposed in supporting chronic pain self-management even among older adults, although some barriers have emerged. Few qualitative studies, with none conducted in Mediterranean countries, have explored older people’s experiences and perceptions regarding the types of strategies used to cope with chronic pain and eHealth tools for chronic pain management. Objective: This study’s objectives were to explore the perspectives and experiences of older adults regarding the coping strategies used to manage chronic pain, the use of digital technologies in everyday life, and the potentiality and barriers in using those technologies for health and pain management. Methods: A multimethod approach (ie, self-report questionnaires and a semistructured interview) has been adopted targeting older adults (ie, those who are aged 65 to 80 years and presenting different types of CNCP) who are attending a pain therapy center in Italy. Qualitative answers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Overall, participants reported using a variety of pain coping strategies; however, they showed an attitude of resignation to their CNCP condition. Nearly 70% (12/18) of the interviewees referred to using digital technologies for purposes related to health and pain management, mostly involving very basic management activities. The participants’ opinions on the useful functions that need to be incorporated in eHealth tools for chronic pain management have been categorized into four themes: (1) specific pain self-management skills, (2) support in organizing various health-related aspects, (3) sharing experiences with others, and (4) increasing pain-related personal knowledge. Conversely, the following potential barriers to adopting eHealth tools emerged: (1) computer illiteracy, (2) negative effects or risks, (3) impersonal interaction, and (4) physical limitations. Conclusions: The use of eHealth solutions still seems low, often being accompanied by a perceived lack of digital skills or attitude among a sample of older adults from Italy with CNCP. Before introducing innovative eHealth solutions, it would be of primary importance to take action to enhance, on the one hand, self-efficacy in pain management and, on the other, the digital literacy level among older people.

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS-I) specifically for midwifery students. midwives are at risk of developing Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) which arises from witnessing or hearing about the trauma of others. Midwifery students are particularly vulnerable to STS due to the emotionally intense situations they encounter during their clinical training. This stress impacts their emotional well-being and their professional development. Despite the significant impact of STS on midwifery students, it remains underexplored in academic settings. An observational study was conducted enrolling midwifery bachelor students of University of Milano Bicocca and Verona. Reliability and structural validity of STSS-I were studied using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach's alpha. Moreover, the criterion concurrent validity was tested using the GHQ-12 as criterion standard through the ROC curve's study. Analysis was performed using Stata/MP18.0 and R (version 4.3.2). confirming the two-dimension structure, within midwifery students the STSS-I had a good structural validity (RMSEA=0.079, CFI=0.992 and TLI=0.991) and reliability (Arousal subscale's and Intrusion's Cronbach alpha were respectively 0.90 and 0.84). The criterion validity demonstrated a moderate level of accuracy (AUC 0.75 ± 0.06). The total average STSS-I score was 24.44 (DS=9.91), ranging from 15 to 68. The average of Arousal and Intrusion subscales were respectively 17.70 and 9.73. the STSS-I has good psychometric properties, representing a valid and reliable measure for assessing STS within midwifery students.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) and inflammatory arthritis (IA), including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and axial spondylarthritis (axSpA), are leading causes of disability worldwide, significantly impacting health and quality of life. Sleep issues are highly prevalent in these populations, exacerbating pain, fatigue, and disease activity. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding how sleep disorders should be assessed. Objective: The main objectives are to identify, describe, and synthesise which types of sleep dimensions are evaluated, what measurement tools are employed to measure them in individuals with OA and IA, and provide an overview of the impact of sleep issues in OA and IA. Methods: This systematic scoping review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute methodological framework and be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Systematic Scoping Reviews. The search strategy will involve PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central, PsycINFO, and CINAHL, along with grey literature sources. Articles will be selected based on predefined eligibility criteria, and data will be synthesised narratively. Anticipated outcomes: This systematic scoping review will synthesise the current literature on studies that collect and report sleep assessment as a primary or secondary outcome in people with OA and IA. It will clarify which sleep dimensions are assessed and how they are measured, provide an updated overview to inform clinical practice regarding sleep assessment and impact in OA and IA, and identify key research gaps. Dissemination: The findings will be disseminated through research publications, including peer‐reviewed articles and conference abstract(s)/presentation(s).

Background: Chronic non-cancer pain (CNCP) is one of the most prevalent health conditions among the elderly, with a considerable impact on the person’s physical, mental and social functioning. The use of a bio-psycho-social multidisciplinary approach has become widely recommended for more likely effective management of chronic pain. In recent years, the growing development and application of e-Health (or digital health) within pain medicine has been showing encouraging results. However, the application of such technologies in the field of pain management among elderly is yet understudied, particularly in regard to the potential impacts of multimodal therapies (i.e., interventions which integrate a physical and a psychological component) provided via digital devices. Objective: The overall aim of this scoping review is to systematically map the existing literature about the e-Health multimodal interventions designed for older adults with CNCP. Methods: Multiple electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, PsycINFO) will be searched for relevant articles to August 2023. The review will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and will utilize the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guideline and checklist. All eligible studies will be evaluated against the 16-item Quality Assessment Tool (QATSDD). The extracted information will be presented in tabular form along with a narrative summary that is in line with the scoping review’s objective.