How Education Influences the Treatment of Pain: Comparing Knowledge of Graduate Health Science Students to Practicing Clinicans

Publication Date

Spring 4-22-2026

Presentation Length

Poster/Gallery presentation

College

College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences

Department

Occupational Therapy, School of

Student Level

Graduate

Faculty Mentor

Sandy Stevens

Presentation Type

Poster

Summary

Chronic pain is a prevalent and growing concern in the United States, underscoring the need for clinicians who are well prepared to understand its complex etiology and implement evidence-based interventions. This quantitative study examined knowledge of chronic pain and self-reported clinical confidence in its management among practicing Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) clinicians (n = 9) and students in these disciplines (n = 27).

Participants completed a Qualtrics survey that included a knowledge assessment (scored 1-10) and measures of perceived confidence in understanding and managing chronic pain (scored 1-10). Overall, participants demonstrated low levels of knowledge (M = 5.35, SD = 1.55) and low confidence in treating chronic pain (M = 5.31, SD = 2.15).

Independent samples t-tests revealed no statistically significant differences in knowledge scores between PT and OT participants, t(27) = -0.05, p = .96, or between students and clinicians, t(32) = 0.65, p = .52, indicating comparable knowledge across groups. Clinicians reported significantly higher confidence than students in treating chronic pain, t(34) = -2.57, p = .02; however, overall confidence remained low for both groups.

These findings suggest that both students and practicing clinicians may be underprepared to effectively manage chronic pain. The results highlight a need for enhanced pain education in graduate health programs, as well as continued professional development to strengthen clinician competence and confidence in chronic pain management.

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