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Primary care physicians and pain: education during residency
1Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
The Clinical Journal of Pain
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Most family practice residency programs do not provide adequate pain management training. Enhanced education in pain evaluation and treatment is crucial for future physicians.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Pain Management
- Family Medicine
Background:
- Effective pain management is essential in primary care.
- Current family practice residency curricula may not adequately prepare residents for pain evaluation and treatment.
- Gaps in pain management education can impact patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the adequacy of pain management training in US family practice residency programs.
- To identify factors associated with perceived adequate pain training.
Main Methods:
- A national mail survey of 390 family practice residency program directors was conducted.
- The survey collected data on program characteristics and pain management training content.
- Response rate was 66% (258 directors).
Main Results:
- Only 29% of program directors believed their residents received adequate pain management training.
- Adequate training was associated with rotations in pain services and dedicated lecture hours.
- Despite training in common pain syndromes and analgesics, directors found it insufficient.
Conclusions:
- Family practice residency programs are not adequately training residents in pain management.
- There is a clear need for improved and enhanced pain management education within family practice residencies.
- Addressing these educational deficits is vital for improving patient pain care.