Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Towards Pain Management Among Indian Medical Residents: A Cross-Sectional Survey
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Background
Pain management remains a neglected yet essential aspect of medical training. Despite the high prevalence of acute and chronic pain in clinical settings, formal education and confidence among residents regarding pain management remain suboptimal.
Objective
To evaluate the current knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of Indian medical residents toward pain management and identify gaps that could inform future educational interventions.
Methods
This cross-sectional study was conducted using a structured, anonymous, self-administered online questionnaire. The survey was distributed to postgraduate residents across multiple specialties in India. The questionnaire comprised four sections: demographic data, knowledge (10 MCQs), attitude (8 Likert-scale items), and practice (7 yes/no and frequency questions). Data were collected over 4 weeks and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical exemption was obtained.
Results
A total of 168 residents participated (mean age 28.2 ± 2.5 years). The majority were from anesthesiology (32%), internal medicine (18%), and surgery (15%). Only 44% could correctly identify first-line treatment for neuropathic pain. While 80% agreed that pain is undertreated in hospitals, only 36% reported using standardized pain assessment tools. Merely 14% had ever observed or participated in an interventional pain procedure.
Conclusion
There is a significant gap between the perceived importance of pain management and the actual practice among residents. Structured pain medicine education and hands-on workshops are urgently needed to bridge this gap.
