Changes in pain knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of osteopathy students after completing a clinically focused pain education module

Abstract

Background: Chronic pain is a substantial burden on the Australian healthcare system with an estimated 19.2% of Australians experiencing chronic pain. Knowledge of the neurophysiology and multidimensional aspects of pain is imperative to ensure health professionals apply a biopsychosocial approach to pain. Questionnaires may be used to assess learner changes in neurophysiology knowledge and beliefs and attitudes towards pain after education interventions. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in pain neurophysiology knowledge, beliefs and attitudes following a 12week clinically-focused pain module in year 3 osteopathy students as measured by the Neurophysiology of Pain (NPQ) Question..