Chronic pain: The next digital health frontier?
A recent report explores the role digital health tools can play in managing musculoskeletal disorders among employees.
A case study of a digital care approach to chronic pain showed a 50% reduction in musculoskeletal (MSK) claims, according to a report issued by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services.
The report begins by noting that back, neck, and joint pain afflicts millions of Americans and accounts for the largest share of U.S. health care expenditures. According to The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the US spent $380 billion in 2016 on musculoskeletal disorders.
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“Public health researchers have found that over the past three decades, as the global population has expanded and aged, the prevalence of low back pain, neck pain, and other joint-related conditions grew on average 62%, while the burden of these conditions, as measured by years living with disability, has also increased,” the report said. “In the United States, chronic back and neck pain result in the most lost workdays and cost more to productivity than any other condition.”
The US Foods case study
The research, which was sponsored by digital health company Hinge Health, focused on a program providing comprehensive clinical care to address musculoskeletal pain. The program combined wearable technology with a full clinical care team. As a large employer with 40,000 health plan members in 60 locations, US Foods provided a good testing grounds for the Hinge Health approach.
A three-year claims analysis found that after implementation of the program, US Foods saw a 50% decline in overall musculoskeletal claims, and a 55% drop in back and join surgery claims.
The study pointed out that a more holistic approach to musculoskeletal health can help plan members avoid costly surgical treatments, and using digital tools can make things like physical therapy more accessible.
“A comprehensive program for treating musculoskeletal pain can provide care in every dimension: exercise therapy, mental health counseling, and coaching to help patients establish healthier behaviors,” the report said. “Digital care shows promise to expand access to comprehensive care, improve patient outcomes, and reduce costs to both patients and employers.”
The report said that a digital therapy approach using online appointments removes some barriers to accessing care, and can be just as effective as in-person therapy. Other digital tools, such as wearable sensors and smartphone applications, can track a patient’s progress and provide immediate feedback.
“US Foods’ program offering video physical therapy appointments, behavior coaching, education, and weight loss counseling has saved money on health care costs, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity,” the report said. “To date, more than 600 employees have participated in the program—more than the company anticipated.”
Addressing gaps in virtual care
The report also looked at the gap between what digital care offers and what employers and plan members are aware of. For example, 60% of employees were aware that their plan covered in-person physical therapy, but only 15% knew that the plan also offered virtual physical therapy visits. This was the largest awareness gap for any of the treatment options the survey included.
On the other hand, management also may be in the dark about the needs of employees. In some cases, it may be that employees are hesitant to talk to employers or managers about their health care conditions, the study noted. “However, even in companies where people are able to talk openly about their health, managers may not know someone on their team is in pain: 81% of managers surveyed by Harvard Business Review Analytic Services say it’s difficult to know if an employee needs help for a chronic condition,” the report said.
These information gaps can hinder the ability of employees to receive effective care in a timely fashion, the report concluded. At a time when many employers are re-considering the use of remote technology across the board, there may be new opportunities to educate employees on the range of options for treating musculoskeletal conditions. “Companies will need to invest in educating employees about such options, so they remember to choose them when they need help,” the study said.
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