IASP Pain Global Year of Excellence in Pain Education

International Association of the Study of Pain Global Year of Excellence in Pain Education 2018

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) brings together scientists, clinicians, health-care providers, and policymakers to stimulate and support the study of pain and translate that knowledge into improved pain relief worldwide.   The focus of an international task force for 2018 will be that of Excellence in Pain Education with the lead for this being Dr Paul Wilkinson from Newcastle.

The task force plan to examine four areas of pain education – those of both patient and professional education but also those of the general public and governments and importantly research into pain education.

Paul Wilkinson envisages that the cornerstone of the year will be the development of web based resources for both patients and professionals based on the most up to date research and which will incorporate professional training modules for health care professionals.  The task force also plan to develop strategies to highlight the gaps in pain education and to improve general awareness of chronic pain amongst both the public and governments worldwide, demonstrating the lack of resources that are necessary to ensure the wellbeing of populations.  As an international organisation, the sharing of experiences and developments worldwide will be an important part of the year

For more information about IASP’s activities during 2018 and the resources for patients that they plan to develop go to  www.iasp-pain.org or listen to an interview with Paul Wilkinson on Pain Concerns podcast from January on Airing  Pain at www.painconcern.org.uk/airing-pain/