Conference Objectives
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
This conference is intended for clinicians, clinical researchers, basic scientists, and others interested in research and treatment advances in neuropathic pain. This focused, specialized conference is targeted to those individuals directly involved with the investigation, development, and implementation of neuropathic pain treatments.
At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Summarize current research on the mechanisms of neuropathic pain.
- Evaluate and apply evidence-based treatments for neuropathic pain in clinical practice.
- Describe emerging treatments for neuropathic pain.
- Clarify assessment of symptoms, signs, and consequences of neuropathic pain.
- Identify questions that need to be addressed to increase knowledge of neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatment.
EDUCATIONAL NEED
Recommendations from the steering committee and the evaluation forms and attendee comments from the 11th International Conference demonstrated a continued need for educational programs discussing the mechanisms and treatment of neuropathic pain, emphasizing the results of recent research and their implications for treatment. In response to this feedback and issues raised during last year's meeting, we have now included in the program presentations on neuropathic pain in children, phantom pain, fibromyalgia, migraine, and substance abuse as well as a symposium on clinical trial designs for preventing neuropathic pain.
The results of recent studies indicate that the treatment of neuropathic pain in many clinical settings is not consistent with an evidence-based approach to medical care. The clinical practice gap that this activity is intended to address is the gap between current clinical practice and an evidence-based approach to treatment; specifically, the activity is designed to increase participants' understanding and use of evidence-based treatements in their own clinical activities. Secondary goals include increasing participants' understanding of the research methods used in ongoing basic science studies and in clinical trials of neuropathic pain so that they will be better able to interpret the medical literature after participating in this activity.
CERTIFICATION
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through joint sponsorship of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) Neuropathic Pain Special Interest Group.
The University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry designates this educational activity for up to a maximum of 14.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.