[Teaching pain management. An innovative curriculum model at the University of Witten/Herdecke (UWH)].

BACKGROUND

The subject of pain and pain therapy is not mandatory in medical curricula in Germany. Therefore, the German Society for the Study of Pain (DGSS) has developed a core-curriculum for pain and suggested its implementation for all medical faculties.

METHOD

At the University of Witten/Herdecke this DGSS core curriculum was extended in terms of a "pain week", which comprised 22 h of seminars and clinical teaching and started in 2009. The knowledge gained by the students regarding the intended learning issues was measured by a pre-post self-assessment questionnaire.

RESULTS

In almost every category the students reported significant knowledge gain. The learning issues were rated as relevant for the professional career.

CONCLUSION

The "pain week" is intended to be a constant part of the medical curriculum at the University of Witten/Herdecke in the future. It will be integrated into the new cross-sectional subject of palliative care and be assessed by examinations.