Optimizing training programs and opportunities for professional development in the era of digital pain interventions: A unique opportunity for collaboration

Introduction: New digital health technologies provide accessible adjuncts to alleviating pain in the general population. The advent novel digital pain interventions have resulted in a rapidly evolving learning environment. Improving knowledge and understanding of these digital patient-centric approaches to treating pain is vital for our current practitioners and new cadre of trainees. The objective of this manuscript is to initiate a discussion about digital pain intervention educational needs of residents as well as attendings in PM&R, anesthesia and neurology. Methodology: After reviewing Accreditation Council Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and relevant American Board of Medical Specialties policies and best available evidence, including grey literature, we interviewed a group of practicing physicians in physiatry, anesthesiology and neurology, including program directors, to provide expert opinion, guidance and formulate recommendations on educational requirements, research endeavors, and learning techniques and opportunities in utilizing digital health interventions for management of pain. IRB approval was not required. Conclusions: We hope that this manuscript will serve as the basis of designing a comprehensive educational program and outlining opportunities for research that prioritizes optimal care for pain patients and leverages the unique and complementary knowledge base within our fields. Key words: Digital pain; Physiatry; anesthesiology; Neurology; Competency; Accreditation Council Graduate Medical education Citation: Nasir A, Mahmood SH. Optimizing training programs and opportunities for professional development in the era of digital pain interventions: A unique opportunity for collaboration. Anaesth. pain intensive care 2021;25(1): 76–80. D0I: 10.35975/apic.v25i1.1444 Received: 24 October 2020; Reviewed: 22 November 2020; Accepted: 5 December 2020