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Understanding and the Perceived Value of Contemporary Pain Neuroscience Education among Occupational Therapy Students

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  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Journal of Occupational Therapy Education. 521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475. e-mail: jote@eku.edu; Web site: https://encompass.eku.edu/jote/
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      18
    • Education Level:
      Higher Education
      Postsecondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Pain; Neurosciences; Occupational Therapy; Allied Health Occupations Education; Student Attitudes; Instructional Effectiveness; Doctoral Students
    • ISSN:
      2573-1378
    • Abstract:
      Chronic pain is a leading cause of global disability, yet occupational therapy education often lacks sufficient coverage of multidisciplinary pain management approaches. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine the level of understanding of contemporary pain neuroscience in occupational therapy doctoral (OTD) students; 2) evaluate the effectiveness of instructional techniques to improve their knowledge of contemporary pain neuroscience; and 3) explore their perceptions of pain neuroscience and its implications for their future roles. This pre-post test within-subject experimental design study, involving 39 OTD students, assessed the impact and perceptions of a two-hour pain education module. The revised Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (rNPQ) and the Concept of Pain Inventory for Adults (COPI-Adult) were used to assess knowledge about pain and Likert and open-ended survey questions captured participant perceptions. Qualitative data analysis of the two open-ended questions included coding and theme development. Median COPI-Adult scores and median rNPQ scores increased (p < 0.001). Interest in learning about pain increased (p < 0.001). Perceived usefulness of information increased (p = 0.016). Two main themes emerged from the open-ended questions: "Personal and Professional Formation" and "Approach to Patient Care." Findings indicate that OTD students initially had limited understanding of contemporary pain neuroscience, but even brief instruction significantly improved knowledge. Students expressed increased interest, confidence in applying pain neuroscience education, and anticipated using this knowledge to validate patient experiences, reframe pain perceptions, and support improved quality of life in future clinical practice. This study's single-university design and lack of long-term follow-up limit generalizability and understanding of sustained clinical impact.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2025
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1488935