Overview
A peer-reviewed, NIH-funded study published in JMIR Human Factors found that adults living with chronic pain consistently engaged with 2Morrow’s Salty for Chronic Pain digital behavioral health program.
Participants used the app for an average of 27 unique days over 12 weeks and engaged with structured Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-based content without automated reminders.
The findings support the feasibility of delivering accessible, evidence-based behavioral support for chronic pain outside traditional clinical settings.
The News
An NIH-funded study conducted by 2Morrow and researchers at the University of Washington School of Medicine found that adults with chronic pain engaged consistently with the Salty for Chronic Pain digital behavioral health program.
The feasibility study included adult primary care patients across four health systems and 60 clinics in Washington and Idaho. Among 40 participants who activated the app, 81.6% independently downloaded and set up their accounts. Participants used the app on an average of 27 unique days over 12 weeks, while 25% completed all 58 structured lessons across four content areas.
The program is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and addresses the physical, emotional, social, and values-based dimensions of chronic pain. Despite the absence of automated reminders due to a technical issue, 82.5% of participants used the app’s pain-tracking tools, 86.7% said it helped them better understand or manage their pain, and 90% would recommend it to others.
Published in JMIR Human Factors, the study evaluated feasibility rather than definitive clinical outcomes. Larger studies are needed to assess effects on pain, functioning, and quality of life.
Industry Perspective
More than 50 million Americans live with chronic pain, while access to behavioral and nonpharmacologic care remains limited. Digital behavioral health programs could help extend evidence-based support beyond the clinic and reduce barriers related to specialist availability, wait times, and clinical capacity.
Strategic Impact
The findings strengthen 2Morrow’s case for using digital tools to expand access to behavioral interventions for chronic pain. The program is currently being piloted across U.S. clinics and health systems as the company evaluates broader availability and future studies.
Source: 2Morrow
