Introducing Simulation-Based Learning for Trainees in Chronic Pain Medicine: Needs Assessment and Suggestions for...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Pain Management

Background:

• Managing chronic pain requires specialized knowledge and communication skills.
• Simulation-based learning can enhance complex competency acquisition for medical trainees.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the need for a simulation-based course for chronic pain medicine trainees at McMaster University.
• To identify essential competencies and skills for effective chronic pain management training.

Main Methods:

• Conducted a literature review to find existing needs assessments.
• Performed targeted interviews with six chronic pain management healthcare professionals.
• Analyzed 366 patient experience surveys to inform training needs.

Main Results:

• No prior needs assessments for this specific training were found in the literature.
• Identified key competencies: patient communication (de-escalation, active listening, motivational interviewing), managing difficult patient scenarios (poor pain control, opioid misuse), and recognizing/managing mental health comorbidities.
• Suggested simulation scenarios included: patients with uncontrolled pain, suspected opioid misuse, and comorbid depression.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based courses are proposed to address identified training gaps in chronic pain medicine.
• Development and refinement of these courses should involve trainees and pain medicine experts.
• This initiative aims to improve the preparedness of future pain medicine specialists.