PainChek: AI Driven Pain Assessment

Written by Lynna Truong, PharmD 2027

November 11, 2024

PainChek: AI Driven Pain Assessment

PainChek is revolutionizing pain assessment through artificial intelligence (AI) technology, offering a novel solution for patients who struggle to communicate their pain levels. This innovative app represents a groundbreaking advancement in pain management and digital health, opening up new possibilities for accurate and efficient pain detection, especially for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments.1

While PainChek was created in 2016, the research behind the technology dates back to the late 1970s with Dr. Paul Ekman's work on emotions and facial expressions.1 Ekman's research showed that certain facial expressions are universally recognized across cultures, indicating their biological basis.2 This discovery led to the development of the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) in 1978, providing a comprehensive framework for identifying and interpreting facial expressions, which has been instrumental in PainChek's technology.1,2

PainChek combines facial analysis, AI processing, and manual assessment to calculate pain scores. The app uses a smartphone or tablet to capture a 3-second video of the patient's face. AI algorithms then analyze facial expressions to detect pain-indicative micro-expressions. Lastly, caregivers complete a checklist covering pain indicators in five additional areas: voice, movement, behavior, activity, and body.1

The PainChek system consists of a mobile application and a web admin portal. It has been validated in clinical studies, showing excellent psychometric properties including high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The system is designed to be used by clinicians and carers in everyday clinical practice, potentially transforming pain assessment for people unable to verbalize their pain.3

As PainChek evolves, it has the potential to transform pain assessment and management across various healthcare settings. The app's ability to provide objective, consistent pain evaluations could lead to more effective pain management strategies, reduced medication use, and improved quality of life for patients who struggle to communicate their pain. 

However, it's important to note that while PainChek represents a significant advancement, it doesn't replace professional medical judgment. Users should be aware of potential limitations, such as the need for diverse training data to avoid bias.3 By leveraging AI and smart automation, PainChek is paving the way for more accurate, efficient, and compassionate pain management in healthcare settings worldwide.

References:

1. PainChek. About Us. PainChek. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www.painchek.com/

2. Ekman P. Universal facial expressions. Paul Ekman Group. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www.paulekman.com/resources/universal-facial-expressions/

3. Brett K, Severn M. Facial Analysis Technology for Pain Detection: A Potentially Useful Tool for People Living With Dementia: CADTH Horizon Scan. Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2023. Accessed November 10, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK595121/