Alison M Vargovich1, Matthew E Schumann2, Jun Xiang3, Alexander D Ginsberg2, Brian A Palmer4, Jeannie A Sperry2. 1. SUNY, Department of Medicine, Division of Behavioral Medicine, University at Buffalo, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA. alisonva@buffalo.edu. 2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA. 3. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA. 4. Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Chronic pain, along with opioid abuse and misuse, continues to be a prevalent problem across the USA. Medical students have minimal training in biopsychosocial treatment of chronic pain and often lack the knowledge and skill necessary to address chronic pain with their patients. While there are a variety of treatment options available, research repeatedly has demonstrated that biopsychosocial treatment is the most effective option for chronic pain. Engaging patients in this type of treatment requires training and education. METHODS: The authors implemented a simulation workshop with standardized patients to educate medical students on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of chronic pain and also train students on the most effective ways to discuss chronic pain and educate their patients. Outcomes were measured by a pre- and post-test survey of knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in treating chronic pain, as well as satisfaction with the learning experience. RESULTS: Test and survey results indicated improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in treating chronic pain. Additionally, students were satisfied with the experience as evidenced by high post-workshop ratings. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic pain training during medical school is associated with students feeling more prepared to provide non-opioid biopsychosocial pain treatment. Additionally, training with standardized patients allows students to learn how to effectively educate their patients, reduce negative confrontations, and maintain a positive physician-patient relationship.
OBJECTIVE:Chronic pain, along with opioid abuse and misuse, continues to be a prevalent problem across the USA. Medical students have minimal training in biopsychosocial treatment of chronic pain and often lack the knowledge and skill necessary to address chronic pain with their patients. While there are a variety of treatment options available, research repeatedly has demonstrated that biopsychosocial treatment is the most effective option for chronic pain. Engaging patients in this type of treatment requires training and education. METHODS: The authors implemented a simulation workshop with standardized patients to educate medical students on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of chronic pain and also train students on the most effective ways to discuss chronic pain and educate their patients. Outcomes were measured by a pre- and post-test survey of knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in treating chronic pain, as well as satisfaction with the learning experience. RESULTS: Test and survey results indicated improvements in knowledge, attitudes, and confidence in treating chronic pain. Additionally, students were satisfied with the experience as evidenced by high post-workshop ratings. CONCLUSIONS:Chronic pain training during medical school is associated with students feeling more prepared to provide non-opioid biopsychosocial pain treatment. Additionally, training with standardized patients allows students to learn how to effectively educate their patients, reduce negative confrontations, and maintain a positive physician-patient relationship.
Entities:
Keywords:
Biopsychosocial treatment of pain; Chronic pain education; Medical school; Multidisciplinary
Authors: Anne Scheidecker; Amanda Green; Muzammil H Syed; Celine S Ling; Clare Fiala; Oya Pakkal; Sandra Monteiro; Stefan Schandelmaier; Linda Korz Journal: Med Sci Educ Date: 2021-06-07