The design and introduction of an innovative module in pain medicine into the undergraduate curriculum for medical students

Objectives: Pain is a frequent presenting complaint to most medical specialists, however pain education within undergraduate medical studies across Europe is limited. In 2016, no Irish university had a dedicated pain medicine module, either compulsory or optional. Incorporation of pain medicine into the undergraduate curriculum was made an educational priority by the Department of Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine at Galway University Hospital (GUH). Methods: Following a number of collaborative departmental meetings, a core curriculum, set of learning objectives and module assessments were outlined, with emphasis on multidis-ciplinary input. The Pain Medicine Module was accepted by the School of Medicine at the National University of Ireland, Galway as an optional module for 4th year undergraduate medical students. The module was delivered for the first time in 2017. Results: The 12-week module was delivered by anaesthesia and pain medicine consultants, specialist anaesthesia trainees, advanced nurse practitioners, and clinical psychologists, all on a voluntary basis. Six students were guided through the module via interactive seminars, pre-recorded video tutorials, time at chronic pain clinics, multidisciplinary meetings, theatre block bay, and acute pain ward rounds. In total, 30 h were dedicated to the module worth 5 European credits. Qualitative analysis OF feedback questionnaires proved that the module was deemed a success by those involved. Conclusions: This innovative module is the first step towards formal incorporation of the subspecialty into a core curriculum in Ireland. Following initial success, it will be delivered again in 2018. Establishing the module as mandatory rather than an optional one is a future goal.