Effectiveness of pain education to improve pain related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in health care students and professionals: a systematic review protocol

Background/Aims Chronic pain is a long-term condition and a leading cause of disability worldwide. The training of health care professionals is where knowledge and attitudes about pain may be shaped for the future. Pain education and management by health care professionals is recognised as being inadequate. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of biopsychosocial education in improving health care professionals' and students' management of chronic pain. It informs the future delivery of effective pain management education. Methods Biopsychosocial education randomised controlled trials involving health care professionals or students, and measuring changes in knowledge or understanding, attitudes and beliefs or management behaviours in pain, will be included. Comparison studies will feature usual education control, placebo, or a different type of education. Two reviewers will apply two screenings and assess for bias. Statistical analysis of data will be undertaken or discussed in narrative and graphic format if necessary.