Pain Education Research Articles

Pain Medicine Education in Emergency Medicine Residency Programs.

Background Pain is a common complaint in the emergency department (ED), yet there is a lack of robust pain curricula in emergency medicine (EM) residency programs. In this study, we investigated pain education in EM residencies and various factors related to educational development. Methodology This was a prospective study collecting online survey results sent to Program Directors, Associate Program Directors, and Assistant Program Directors of EM residencies in the United States. Descriptive analyses with nonparametric tests were performed to investigate relationships between these factors, including educational hours, level of educational collaboration with pain medicine specialists, and multimodal therapy utilization. Results The overall individual response rate was 39.8% (252 out of 634 potential respondents), representing 164 out of 220 identified EM residencies with 110 (50%) Program Directors responding. Traditional classroom lectures were the most common modality for the delivery of pain medicine content. EM textbooks were the most common resource utilized for curriculum development. An average of 5.7 hours per year was devoted to pain education. Up to 46.8% of respondents reported poor or absent educational collaboration with pain medicine specialists. Greater collaboration levels were associated with greater hours devoted to pain education (p = 0.01), perceived resident interest in acute and chronic pain management education (p < 0.001), and resident utilization of regional anesthesia (p = <0.01). Faculty and resident interest in acute and chronic pain management education were similar to each other and high on the Likert scale, with higher scores correlating to greater hours devoted to pain education (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). Faculty expertise in pain medicine was rated the most important factor in improving pain education in their programs. Conclusions Pain education is a necessity for residents to adequately treat pain in the ED, but remains challenging and undervalued. Faculty expertise was identified as a factor limiting pain education among EM residents. Collaboration with pain medicine specialists and recruitment of EM faculty with expertise in pain medicine are ways to improve pain education of EM residents.

A qualitative study to explore the acceptability and feasibility of implementing person-focused evidence-based pain education concepts in pre-registration physiotherapy training.

The purpose of this study was to engage with physiotherapy clinicians, academics, physiotherapy students and patients to explore the acceptability, feasibility, and practical considerations of implementing person-focused evidence-based pain education concepts, identified from our previous research, in pre-registration physiotherapy training. This qualitative study took a person-focused approach to ground pain education in the perspectives and experiences of people who deliver and use it. Data was collected via focus groups and in-depth semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using the seven stage Framework approach. Focus groups and interviews were conducted either face to face, via video conferencing or via telephone. This depended on geographical location, participant preference, and towards the end of data collection the limitations on in-person contact due to the Covid-19 pandemic. UK based physiotherapy clinicians, physiotherapy students, academics and patients living with pain were purposively sampled and invited to take part. Five focus groups and six semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty-nine participants. Four key dimensions evolved from the dataset that encapsulate concepts underpinning the acceptability and feasibility of implementing pain education in pre-registration physiotherapy training. These are (1) make pain education authentic to reflect diverse, real patient scenarios, (2) demonstrate the value that pain education adds, (3) be creative by engaging students with content that requires active participation, (4) openly discuss the challenges and embrace scope of practice. These key dimensions shift the focus of pain education towards practically engaging content that reflects people experiencing pain from diverse sociocultural backgrounds. This study highlights the need for creativity in curriculum design and the importance of preparing graduates for the challenges that they will face in clinical practice.

Implementation of an online pain science education for chronic musculoskeletal pain in Brazilian public health system: protocol for a hybrid type III randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation

BackgroundAlthough clinical practice guidelines recommend pain education as the first-line option for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, there is a lack of pain education programmes in healthcare. Thus, digital health programmes can be an effective tool for implementing pain education strategies for public health. This trial will aim to analyse the implementation and effectiveness outcomes of three online pain science education strategies in the Brazilian public health system (SUS) for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.MethodsWe will conduct a hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation. We will include adult individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, recruited from primary healthcare in the city of Guarapuava, Brazil. Individuals will be randomised to three implementation groups receiving a pain science education intervention (EducaDor) but delivered in different modalities: group 1) synchronous online; group 2) asynchronous videos; and group 3) interactive e-book only. Implementation outcomes will include acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, penetration, sustainability, and costs. We will also assess effectiveness outcomes, such as pain, function, quality of life, sleep, self-efficacy, and adverse effects. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be conducted from the SUS and societal perspectives. The evaluations will be done at baseline, post-intervention (10 weeks), and 6 months.DiscussionThis study will develop and implement a collaborative intervention model involving primary healthcare professionals, secondary-level healthcare providers, and patients to enhance self-management of chronic pain. In addition to promoting better pain management, this study will also contribute to the field of implementation science in public health by generating important insights and recommendations for future interventions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05302180; 03/29/2022).

Long-term Outcomes Following a Comprehensive Quality Assurance and Process Improvement Endeavor to Minimize Opioid Use After Kidney Transplant

Opioid use following kidney transplant is associated with an increased risk of graft loss and mortality. Opioid minimization strategies and protocols have shown reductions in short-term opioid use after kidney transplant. To evaluate the long-term outcomes associated with an opioid minimization protocol following kidney transplant. This single-center quality improvement study evaluated postoperative and long-term opioid use before and after the implementation of a multidisciplinary, multimodal pain regimen and education process in adult kidney graft recipients from August 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020. Patient data were collected from a retrospective chart review. Preprotocol and postprotocol implementation use of opioids. Between November 7 and 23, 2022, opioid use before and after protocol implementation was evaluated up to 1 year after transplant using multivariable linear and logistic regression. A total of 743 patients were included, with 245 patients in the preprotocol group (39.2% female and 60.8% male; mean [SD] age, 52.8 [13.1 years]) vs 498 in the postprotocol group (45.4% female and 54.6% male; mean [SD] age, 52.4 [12.9 years]). The total morphine milligram equivalents (MME) in the 1-year follow-up in the preprotocol group was 1203.7 vs 581.9 in the postprotocol group. In the postprotocol group, 313 patients (62.9%) had 0 MME in the 1-year follow-up vs 7 (2.9%) in the preprotocol group (odds ratio [OR], 57.52; 95% CI, 26.55-124.65). Patients in the postprotocol group had 99% lower odds of filling more than 100 MME in the 1-year follow-up (adjusted OR, 0.01; 95% CI, 0.01-0.02; P < .001). Opioid-naive patients postprotocol were one-half as likely to become long-term opioid users vs preprotocol (OR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-0.98; P = .04). The study's findings show a significant reduction in opioid use in kidney graft recipients associated with the implementation of a multimodal opioid-sparing pain protocol.

5606726 IMPACT OF ALLOGENEIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION ON PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SOCIAL HEALTH OF ADULT SICKLE CELL DISEASE PATIENTS: A MIXED-METHODS STUDY

Background: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by chronic hemolytic anemia and recurrent painful vaso-occlusive crises, resulting in considerable physical and psychosocial disease burden and early mortality. In recent years, the application of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) as a curative treatment for adult SCD patients has increased. As a result, a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between physical, mental, and social health before and after curation is needed. Aim: To explore the experiences and perspectives of adult SCD patients on the impact of HSCT on their physical, mental, and social health. Methods: A mixed methods study design, consisting of a semi-structured interview and completion of 9 Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) item banks per participant was used. Adult SCD patients who underwent HSCT ≥ 1 year ago at the Amsterdam University Medical Center were eligible to take part in this study. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and thematically analyzed using MAXQDA® software. Standardized T-scores of PROMIS® measures were evaluated and compared to reference scores of the Dutch general population. Results: Ten SCD patients with a median age of 29,5 years (range 19-49) were included in the study and interviewed between October 2021 and May 2022. Median time since HSCT was 2.7 years (range 1 - 3.5). All patients had successful engraftment. Relevant themes were (1) pain/living pain free, (2) physical wellbeing, (3) mental wellbeing, (4) perspective/outlook, (5) education and work, (6) family and friends and (7) activities and participation. Living pain free and the emergence of a future perspective were major improvements for most participants which resonated strongly in their daily lives. Nevertheless, emotional struggles with processing the impact of having had SCD on the one hand, while adjusting to the novel circumstances on the other hand, were common among participants. Before and after HSCT, participants experienced a lack of psychological help. Two patients with ongoing pain from avascular bone necrosis had mixed feelings about the success of the transplant. These two patients scored within the mild, moderate, or severe symptom category on ≥ 7 of 9 PROMIS® item banks. While mean PROMIS® T-scores of all participants fell within the reference values of the general population (Figure 1), a large variation between patients was observed which matched with our findings from the qualitative data. Conclusions: Adult SCD patients experience significant improvements in many aspects of their physical, mental, and social health after cure by HSCT. Yet, they are confronted with a new and often unfamiliar reality, which carries different challenges. Pain as a result of irreversible complications of SCD continues to have a negative impact on quality of life after HSCT. Clinicians should acknowledge these challenges and aim at creating realistic expectations in future transplant candidates. Moreover, patients expressed a need for tailored psychological care, which should be offered before and after HSCT.

Nurse-led Tele-Collaborative Pain Care for Rural Patients with Substance Use Disorder

PurposeRates of chronic non-cancer pain in patients with substance use disorders (SUD) are higher than in patients without SUD. Yet access to evidence-based pain treatment for patients with SUD is limited, particularly in rural areas where care access is often poor. The purpose of this study was to examine feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a nurse-led collaborative pain intervention for patients with comorbid chronic pain and SUD, delivered exclusively via telehealth. MethodsSubjects were 62 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain enrolled in specialty SUD treatment at a single VA medical center and residing in rural geographic regions. Subjects received an initial pain assessment and treatment recommendations, 6 follow-up appointments over four months, and a 10-session weekly pain education class. All clinical encounters were delivered via video conference or telephone, based on patient preference and internet availability. Subjects completed an interviewer administered survey at baseline, 1- and 4-month follow-up that assessed pain severity and interference as measured by the Brief Pain Inventory, depression symptoms as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory-II, and daily substance use outcomes as measured by the Timeline Followback. ResultsPatients on average were 48 years old, and the majority were male (86%) and White Non-Hispanic (91%). By 4-month follow-up, pain severity (B = -0.67 [-1.05, -0.29]), pain interference (B = -0.94 [-1.50, -0.39]), and depression symptoms (B = -4.30 [-7.96, -0.63]) had significantly declined from baseline. A significant reduction in days of alcohol (OR = 0.64 [0.46, 0.90]) and cannabis use (OR = 0.47 [0.34, 0.66]) was also observed at 4-month follow-up. ConclusionPreliminary analyses show promise for synchronous telehealth collaborative pain interventions delivered to rural patients receiving SUD treatment, with particular benefit in reducing pain, depression symptoms, and alcohol and cannabis use.

Comparative Effectiveness of Video and Face-to- Face Sessions to Educate Hospitalized Patients on Cancer Pain Management

Objective: Patients’ lack of knowledge of cancer pain management affects pain outcomes. This study compared the effectiveness of cancer pain management achieved in a previous retrospective study (“P-group”), in which hospitalized cancer pain individuals received no pain education, with the pain management achieved by 2 study groups. One group received pain management information via video sessions (“V-group”) and the other via face-to-face coaching (“F-group”). The study’s secondary aims were to compare the 2 interventions’ psychological, quality-of-life, and opioid-consumption impacts. Materials and Methods: This single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial enrolled hospitalized cancer pain patients aged between 18 and 70 with an Eastern Clinical Oncology Group performance status &lt; 4. They were assigned to V- and F-groups to receive information on managing cancer pain. “Successful pain control” was defined as “no to mild pain” or a numerical rating scale score &lt; 4 on Day 6. Pain intensity and opioid consumption (morphine-equivalent daily dosage) were recorded daily from baseline to Day 6. Psychological status (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) and quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–General) were assessed at baseline and Day 6. Results: Fifty-nine participants were analyzed (V-group: 31; F-group: 28). Both groups had significantly higher successful pain outcomes than the P-group (P &lt; .001). The V- and F-groups had no significant differences in successful pain control (20 [65%] vs 19 [68%]; P = .787), psychological effects, quality of life, or opioid consumption. Conclusions: Video sessions are an alternative means of educating hospitalized cancer pain patients and reducing healthcare providers’ workloads.

“I have to obey my pain” – children’s experiences of pain burden in cerebral palsy

Purpose To explore pain experiences of children with cerebral palsy, and how it influences their everyday life. Method Fourteen children with CP between eight and seventeen years old were included, using a purposeful sampling strategy. They had different experiences of pain, and different degrees of physical and cognitive impairments. Sixteen individual semi-structured interviews were carried out, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Data analysis resulted in the main theme “I have to obey my pain” and four themes were identified. Experiences regarding pain varied (“My pain is mine alone”). Both pain itself and the use of cognitive strategies to cope with pain involved a mental struggle (“Pain brings me down”). The children had to make adjustments to manage their pain (“I want to participate, but I have to rest”). The most important help was to be understood, but adults also provided valuable help with interventions like stretching, medication and adjustment of activity levels (“Others can help me”). Conclusion Pain was a determining feature in the lives of these children with CP. The wide variety of experiences and challenges emphasized the need for tailored management strategies developed together with each child and their parents. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION Children with cerebral palsy had varied experiences of pain, and health professionals need to tailor their pain management approaches to the individual child. Health services should offer pain education to expand children’s repertoire of pain management strategies. When a child’s pain influences their daily activities, health services must ensure that the school is informed of the child’s situation, and able to make necessary adjustments. Health professionals should strive to include children’s own descriptions whenever possible to make sure children feel heard and believed. Even children with communicative and cognitive impairments were able to self-report when necessary adjustments in the communication situation were made.

Physiotherapy management of a patient with neck pain having block vertebra: a case report

Congenital fused/blocked vertebrae are an incidental finding in most cases. It remains asymptomatic unless there is a traumatic event or there is an increased biomechanical load which may be attributed to a task that is not typically performed by the individual. Symptomatic cases can present with several musculoskeletal symptoms including neck pain. Physiotherapy management strategies may help patients recover from the mechanical strains on the cervical neuromuscular structures. The present case is of a 21 year-old male engineering student who was referred for physiotherapy, he presented with complaints of neck pain (non-radiating in nature) for a week. The intensity of the pain had been intermittently increasing/decreasing for about a year and there were about 2–3 episodes in a month for approximately one year. He presented with an X-ray that showed C3–C4 cervical vertebrae synostosis (block vertebrae). The patient was managed using pain education and exercises along with ergonomic advice. Patient-reported pain decreased significantly from the initial visit and he was able to sit for a longer duration and had a considerable improvement in function.

"It Is So Easy For Them to Dismiss": A Phenomenological Study of Cancer Survivors With Chronic Cancer-Related Pain.

Background: For many cancer survivors post-cure, chronic pain is a devastating complication of cancer treatment. The prevalence of chronic pain among cancer survivors is double that of the general population. However, little is known about the pain experience of cancer survivors who may have a different perspective than people with advanced cancer or people with noncancer pain. Objective: To understand the lived experience of chronic cancer-related pain in cancer survivors. Methods: We used a qualitative design with a descriptive phenomenological method to conduct in-depth interviews of 13 cancer survivors residing in the United States who completed curative cancer therapy, were at least three months from treatment, and experienced pain attributable to cancer. Data collection was focused on the lived experience and management of chronic cancer-related pain and a deep understanding of how the experience of chronic cancer-related pain shapes pain management choices. Results: The participants had a variety of primary cancer types and cancer pain syndromes. Three essential themes epitomized the experience of living with chronic cancer-related pain: invisible suffering at the cost of survival, an opioid paradox, and a lack of answers on what to expect and what might help. Conclusion and Implications: The results highlight an opportunity for pain self-management, education, and psychosocial interventions to optimize pain in cancer. Participants' experiences identify several opportunities to improve chronic cancer-related pain. Future efforts should prioritize access to multimodal pain treatments, high-quality communication, and expand clinicians' knowledge and skills to manage chronic pain.

The Effects of Preoperative Pain Education on Pain Severity in Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial

BackgroundThere is minimal research on the effect of individualized preoperative education on postoperative pain and postoperative pain medication intake. AimThe study objective was to assess the effect of individually tailored preoperative education on postoperative pain severity, number of pain breakthroughs, and use of pain medication in participants receiving the intervention compared to controls. MethodsA pilot study with 200 participants was conducted. The experimental group received an informational booklet and discussed their ideas surrounding pain and pain medication with the researcher. Controls received no intervention. Postoperative pain severity was measured by a Numerical Rating System (NRS), which was divided into mild (NRS 1-3), moderate (NRS 4-6), and severe (NRS 7-10). ResultsIn the participant cohort, 68.8% of participants were male, and the average age was 60.48±10.7. Average postoperative 48-hour cumulative pain scores were lower in those who received the intervention compared to controls; 50.0 (IQR 35.8-60.0) vs. 65 (IQR 51.0-73.0; p < .01) participants who received the intervention had less frequent pain breakthroughs when compared to controls (3.0 [IQR 2.0-5.0] vs. 6.0 [IQR 4.0-8.0; p < .01]). There was no significant difference in the amount of pain medication taken by either group. ConclusionsParticipants who receive individualized preoperative pain education are more likely to have decreased postoperative pain.

Map of pain education in Latin America: current state and perspectives.

The Latin American Map of Pain Education initiative has developed steadily in recent years. A recent survey yields important new data on the current state and allows outlining ofthe next steps to improve pain education in Latin American countries. A survey conducted by Federación Latinoamericana de Asociaciones para el Estudio del Dolor (FEDELAT) with data from 19 Latin American countries showed that a generally observed barrier is the lack of adequately trained pain professionals and the insufficient number of pain centers. There is a need for formal programs of pain education and palliative care in undergraduate and graduate programs. These programs should be accessible not only to physicians but to all types of healthcare professionals involved in the management of pain patients. The article includes some recommendations that will certainly be helpful in improving pain education over the next decade in Latin America.

A systematic review of patient-centered interventions for improving pain outcomes and reducing opioid-related risks in acute care settings.

This systematic review evaluates the literature for patient-oriented opioid and pain educational interventions that aim to optimize pain management using opioid-sparing approaches in the orthopaedic trauma population. The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021234006). A review of English-language publications in CINAHL (EBSCO), MEDLINE through PubMed, Embase.com, PsycInfo (EBSCO), and Web of Science Core Collection literature databases published between 1980 and February 2021 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. Only studies implementing patient-oriented opioid and/or pain education in adult patients receiving acute orthopaedic care were eligible. Outcomes were required to include postinterventional opioid utilization, postoperative analgesia and amount, or patient-reported pain outcomes. A total of 480 abstracts were reviewed, and 8 publications were included in the final analysis. Two reviewers independently extracted data from selected studies using a standardized data collection form. Disagreements were addressed by a third reviewer. Quality of studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Descriptive statistics characterized study findings, and content analysis was used to discern themes across studies. Our findings indicate the merit for patient-centered educational interventions including verbal/written/audio-visual trainings paired with multimodal approaches to target opioid-sparing pain management and reduce short-term pain scores in urgent and acute care settings after acute orthopaedic injuries. The scarcity of published literature warrants further rigorously designed studies to substantiate the benefit of patient-centric education in reducing prolonged opioid utilization and associated risks after orthopaedic trauma. Therapeutic level III.

Chronic Pain and Mental Health Counselor Education

Chronic Pain and Mental Health Counselor Education

European Cancer Summit 2022 submission for Survivoship and Quality of Life NetworkEffect of Pain Neuroscience Education after breast cancer surgery on pain, physical and psychosocial functioning: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial (EduCan trial)

BackgroundApproximately one in five women experiences persistent pain after breast cancer surgery. Despite the effectiveness of different physical therapy modalities (e.g., manual therapy, physical activity), pain and associated limitations in daily functioning remain common. Recently, there has been a greater awareness of the role of education in the treatment of pain. The goal of educational interventions is to help patients better understand, manage and cope with their pain. Currently, these are often limited to instruction based on a more biomedical approach to pain and the administration of pain medications. Increased understanding of the neurophysiology of pain resulted in a different educational approach. Pain neuroscience education (PNE) aims to reconceptualize pain away from the biomedical model towards a biopsychosocial understanding, in order to decrease the threat value of pain. This double-blinded randomized controlled trial investigated whether PNE, in addition to best-evidence physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery, was more beneficial than biomedical education on pain-related, physical and psychosocial functioning. MethodsThree educational sessions were given in addition to a four-month physiotherapy program starting immediately postoperative. The content of the educational interventions differed between the intervention (PNE, n=92) and control group (biomedical pain education, n=92). Additional educational and physiotherapy sessions were provided at six, eight and twelve months postoperatively. The primary outcome was the change in pain-related disability (Pain Disability Index) after twelve months. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity, upper limb function, physical activity and psychosocial functioning. All outcomes were evaluated pre-and postoperatively, and at four, six, eight, twelve and eighteen months. ResultsChange in pain-related disability from baseline to twelve months postoperatively did not differ between groups (p=0.525). Secondary outcomes yielded similar results. ConclusionsAdding six sessions of PNE to physiotherapy immediately after breast cancer surgery did not result in a better course of functioning up to eighteen months postoperatively as compared to biomedical pain education. This finding broadens our understanding of PNE in this population and provides the basis for future research to fine-tune the optimal delivery format. Instead of imposing a one-size-fits-all formula, future research should investigate the effectiveness of a more patient-tailored PNE approach, based on a patient's specific needs and readiness.

Adherence to Analgesic Drugs and its Associated Factors among Patients with Cancer Pain: A Crosssectional Study in China.

Objectives: Pain is one of the most common and distressing symptoms co-occurring with cancer progression and treatment, and medication adherence plays an important role in achieving good pain control. However, research on medication adherence and influential factors among individuals with cancer pain (CP) is limited in China. The present study aimed to investigate the adherence to analgesics in patients with CP in China and to identify factors that may influence adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2020 to February 2021. Study instruments consisted of a set of validated questionnaires, 5 measurement instruments including the numerical rating scale (NRS), ID-Pain, Morisky Medication Adherence Scale-Chinese validated version (MMAS-C), Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) - Specific, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Results: A total of 141 participants with CP including 71 males (50.4%), aged 54.5±15.5 years were surveyed in this study. Overall, 83 patients (58.9%) showed adherence, but 58 patients (41.1%) showed non-adherence to analgesics. The univariate analysis showed that analgesic adherence was associated with pain duration of>3 months, outbreaks of pain in the last 24 hours, presence of side effects, getting analgesics in time, presence of neuropathic pain, stopping analgesics or adjusting dosage by themselves, presence of anxiety and depression, and beliefs about medicines. Moreover, the multivariate logistic regression showed that getting analgesic drugs in time (odds ratio [OR]=5.218, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.691-16.100) and high BMQ-Necessity (OR=1.907, 95% CI 1.418-2.565) were associated with high adherence, stopping analgesics or adjusting dosage by themselves (OR=7.958, 95% CI 2.443-25.926) and high BMQ-Concern (OR=0.760, 95% CI 0.600-0.964) were more likely to be associated with non-adherence. Conclusion: In view of our findings, it may be critical for individuals to have a better understanding and strong beliefs about their prescribed analgesic drugs. Pain education, counseling and follow-up of patients and their caregivers, and removal of barriers to accessing analgesic drugs could be considered in further intervention strategies.

Art of pain: a multidisciplinary pain fellowship museum-based education pilot study.

Dear Editor: In its quest for excellence in pain education, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) recently recognized that “pain education is shifting from conveying impersonal, objective evidence at the scale of nociceptors or subcellular processes toward greater inclusivity of multiple types of knowledge, attitudes, and experiences.”1 Probing patients’ “personal experiences,” a critical aspect of the IASP’s 2020 revised definition of pain, entails appreciation of the subjective nature of pain, keen patient observation and physician awareness of inherent uncertainty and biases.2,3 Given the challenge of teaching these skills, it behooves pain fellowships to explore novel didactic strategies to ensure trainee competence.4 Museum-based education (MBE) involves the use of art to catalyze self-reflection and enhance metacognition.2,4,5 MBE has been utilized amongst medical professionals at all levels to hone numerous clinical skills including improved observation and diagnosis, empathy, team-building, communication, wellness, resilience, cultural awareness, and tolerating ambiguity.4,5 Although MBE has been used in multiple contexts,5 this is the first study to our knowledge that utilizes MBE in optimizing pain fellowship education.2

Physiotherapy with integrated virtual reality for patients with complex chronic low back pain: protocol for a pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial (VARIETY study)

BackgroundChronic low back pain (CLBP) is the most common chronic pain condition worldwide. Currently, primary care physiotherapy is one of the main treatment options, but effects of this treatment are small. Virtual Reality (VR) could be an adjunct to physiotherapy care, due to its multimodal features. The primary aim of this study is to assess the (cost-)effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated multimodal VR for patients with complex CLBP, compared to usual primary physiotherapy care.MethodsA multicenter, two-arm, cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) including 120 patients with CLBP from 20 physiotherapists will be conducted. Patients in the control group will receive 12 weeks of usual primary physiotherapy care for CLBP. Patients in the experimental group will receive treatment consisting of 12 weeks of physiotherapy with integrated, immersive, multimodal, therapeutic VR. The therapeutic VR consists of the following modules: pain education, activation, relaxation and distraction. The primary outcome measure is physical functioning. Secondary outcome measures include pain intensity, pain-related fears, pain self-efficacy and economic measures. Effectiveness of the experimental intervention compared to the control intervention on primary and secondary outcome measures will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat principle, using linear mixed-model analyses.DiscussionThis pragmatic, multicenter cluster randomized controlled trial, will determine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of physiotherapy with integrated, personalized, multimodal, immersive VR in favor of usual physiotherapy care for patients with CLBP.Trial registrationThis study is prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05701891).

Does the addition of motor control or strengthening exercises to education result in better outcomes for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain? A multiarm randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveTo compare the short-term, mid-term and long-term effects between three interventions (education only, education and strengthening exercises, education and motor control exercises) for rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) on symptoms...

The Use of Opioids in the Management of Chronic Pain: Synopsis of the 2022 Updated U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense Clinical Practice Guideline.

In May 2022, leadership within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) approved a joint clinical practice guideline for the use of opioids when managing chronic pain. This synopsis summarizes the recommendations that the authors believe are the most important to highlight. In December 2020, the VA/DoD Evidence-Based Practice Work Group assembled a team to update the 2017 VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Opioid Therapy for Chronic Pain. The guideline development team included clinical stakeholders and conformed to the National Academy of Medicine's tenets for trustworthy clinical practice guidelines. The guideline team developed key questions to guide a systematic evidence review that was done by an independent third party and distilled 20 recommendations for care using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. The guideline team also created 3 one-page algorithms to help guide clinical decision making. This synopsis presents the recommendations and highlights selected recommendations on the basis of clinical relevance. This guideline is intended for clinicians who may be considering opioid therapy to manage patients with chronic pain. This synopsis reviews updated recommendations for the initiation and continuation of opioid therapy; dose, duration, and taper of opioids; screening, assessment, and evaluation; and risk mitigation. New additions are highlighted, including recommendations about the use of buprenorphine instead of full agonist opioids; assessing for behavioral health conditions and factors associated with higher risk for harm, such as pain catastrophizing; and the use of pain and opioid education to reduce the risk for prolonged opioid use for postsurgical pain.