Core Competencies in Integrative Pain Care for Entry-Level Primary Care Physicians

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pain Management
• Integrative Health

Background:

• Growing need for coordinated pain care services.
• Existing gaps in primary care physician training for integrative pain management.
• Recommendations for interprofessional collaboration in pain medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop core competencies for graduating primary care physicians in integrative pain care (IPC).
• To align these competencies with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) domains.
• To inform residency training curricula for improved pain management.

Main Methods:

• Formation of an interprofessional task force with diverse expertise.
• A 1.5-day in-person meeting followed by surveys and vetting processes.
• Consensus-building among diverse interprofessional groups to finalize competencies.

Main Results:

• Development of core competencies focusing on interprofessional knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSAs).
• Competencies align with recommendations for integrated, coordinated pain care services.
• Physician competencies are compatible with ACGME domains and reflect interdisciplinary contributions.

Conclusions:

• Core competencies provide a framework for curriculum development in integrative pain care.
• Learning experiences should promote interprofessional, patient-centered, and evidence-based care.
• Graduating physicians will be better equipped to provide safe and effective pain treatments using integrative approaches.