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Difficult Conversations: Training Medical Students to Assess, Educate, and Treat the Patient with Chronic Pain

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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.

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Acknowledgements and Conflicts of Interest/Disclosure Summary

The authors have no conflict of interests or financial relationships to declare.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. SUNY, Department of Medicine, Division of Behavioral Medicine, University at Buffalo, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY, 14215, USA

    Alison M. Vargovich

  2. Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA

    Matthew E. Schumann, Alexander D. Ginsberg & Jeannie A. Sperry

  3. West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA

    Jun Xiang

  4. Allina Health, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    Brian A. Palmer

Authors
  1. Alison M. Vargovich
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  2. Matthew E. Schumann
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  3. Jun Xiang
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  4. Alexander D. Ginsberg
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  5. Brian A. Palmer
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  6. Jeannie A. Sperry
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Correspondence to Alison M. Vargovich.

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Vargovich, A.M., Schumann, M.E., Xiang, J. et al. Difficult Conversations: Training Medical Students to Assess, Educate, and Treat the Patient with Chronic Pain. Acad Psychiatry 43, 494–498 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-019-01072-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40596-019-01072-4

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