Green Shield Canada launches pilot to help plan members track chronic pain

Green Shield Canada is offering plan members who suffer from chronic pain free access to a mobile app that tracks their pain, analyzes it and shares the data with their health-care providers.

The pilot project, in partnership with Toronto-based startup ManagingLife Inc., also gives participants bonus points and access to rewards through the insurer’s incentive-based health management program.

Read: 63% of chronic pain, mental-health patients prefer cannabis to opioids: study

Recording data related to pain will help plan members and health-care practitioners see patterns and trends that can improve pain management, allowing people to rely less on pain medication and enjoy more fulfilling lives, according to Green Shield Canada.

“At GSC, we believe the tools at the disposal of the Canadian health-care community in dealing with chronic pain have been rudimentary,” said David Willows, the insurer’s chief innovation and marketing officer, in a news release. “This pilot aims to introduce modern technology to the mix that will support patients and physicians in advancing care for this condition.”

Given that so many Canadians suffer from chronic pain, there’s a significant opportunity for employers and insurers to play a more active role, said Tahir Janmohamed, founder and chief executive officer of ManagingLife. “By partnering with GSC, we’ll be able to support even more people with chronic pain and help them get back to doing the things they love.”

Green Shield Canada will begin reporting on the impact of the pilot in 2019, with the goal of sharing findings with health-care stakeholders.

Read: Green Shield Canada launches free mindfulness training program for plan members