Anästhesie und klinische Forschung
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Abstrakt

Pain Relief via Education: First Step towards Improving Pain Management in Developing Countries

Gauhar A, Robyna K, Aliya A, Naveed L, Mohammad Y and Tanveer B

Objective: For the progress and endurance of the nation, appropriate healthcare and education systems are
essential. In developing countries like Pakistan, a large number of patients suffering from painful conditions do not
have access to pain treatment due to lack of Pain services. The aim of the project was to devise courses
surrounding basic education related to pain management.
Methods: A group of 6 anaesthesia faculty members of Aga Khan University was formulated to design the
courses to be conducted in the leading teaching hospitals of Pakistan. There were four educational courses, of 15
hours contact time and were delivered over a period of 1 year. The participants were nurses, general practitioners,
anaesthesia trainees and anaesthesia consultants from eight leading teaching hospitals.
Results: Towards the end of Course I, the participants started pain assessment in their respective hospitals.
After completion of Course II, 3 teaching hospitals started formal acute pain services while remaining are in the
process of completion of checklist to start the service. The Course III supported the participants to acquire
independent privileges to perform procedure and yet 3 are under consideration. Lastly Course IV, where participants
were encouraged to lay down the criteria of referring patients to teaching hospitals and propagate this to their
colleagues.
Conclusion: The courses under the project, is an initial step in changing the practices and expectations.
Moreover, it is expected that the current scenario can be improved and number of patients with unnecessary
suffering will reduce.