Cross-sectional subject 14--training in pain

The introduction of pain medicine (cross-sectional subject 14, QF 14) into the Human Medicine study program is a great opportunity. A knowledge gap concerning the treatment of pain patients outside of specialized pain centers has been recognized for many years. This gap might be closed or at least reduced by a compulsory curriculum in pain medicine. If implementation of new lessons for QF 14 is not possible, pain medicine could be represented by labelled elements in the existing curriculum, in order to highlight the field. The core curriculum must now be converted into appropriate teaching and test formats. Due to the autonomy and heterogeneity of German medical faculties, no uniform solution will be achieved. In contrast, this diversity and the entirely new implementation of the cross-sectional subject will allow structured evaluation of different teaching and examination formats with respect to teaching outcome in benchmarking investigations in the coming semesters. Practically experienced lecturers and theory-driven medical educationalists are called upon to get involved with the development, implementation, and evaluation of pain medicine in undergraduate education in Germany. Teaching enthusiasts are encouraged to dedicate themselves to the strenuous, but stimulating task of implementing QF 14. The Deutsche Schmerzgesellschaft (German Pain Society) will offer support for this.