From Concept to Classroom: Developing and Evaluating Pain Smart, a School-Based Pain Education Module

Pain is a significant issue affecting adolescents. However, adolescents often receive outdated, non-evidence-based management for pain. School-based pain education has been identified as a priority for pain management in Australia, yet none is endorsed in schools. This paper describes the process of developing and evaluating the Pain Smart education module for students aged 12-16 at Australian secondary schools.

The process included five phases: (1) listening to adolescent voices; (2) developing the Pain Smart lessons and resources; (3) piloting the Pain Smart education module; (4) refining the Pain Smart education module; and (5) evaluating the Pain Smart education module. Each phase is mapped to an implementation framework: Phase 1 is aligned with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, Phase 2 and 4 with the Knowledge-to-Action Framework, and Phase 3 and 5 with the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Outcomes.

Phase 1 identified gaps in students' knowledge and preferences for learning about pain at school. Phase 2 used these findings and evidence-based concepts to develop three curriculum-aligned, ready-to-teach lessons. Phase 3 piloted the module in two secondary schools, demonstrating acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility while identifying issues with study processes. Phase 4 refined the lessons and study processes based on these findings. Phase 5 describes a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the module.

The Pain Smart education module was developed using a comprehensive and collaborative learning approach. Using established implementation frameworks ensured the module addresses real-world barriers and perspectives of relevant parties. Ongoing evaluation will determine its effectiveness and inform its future scalability.