From Concept to Classroom: Developing and Evaluating Pain Smart, a School-Based Pain Education Module

Background Pain is a significant issue affecting adolescents. However, adolescents often receive outdated, non-evidence-based management for pain. School-based pain education has been identified as a priority for pain management in Australia, yet none is endorsed in schools. This paper describes the process of developing and evaluating the Pain Smart education module for students aged 12–16 at Australian secondary schools.Methods The process included five phases: (1) listening to adolescent voices; (2) developing the Pain Smart lessons and resources; (3) piloting the Pain Smart education module; (4) refining the Pain Smart education module; and (5) evaluating the Pain Smart education module. Each phase is mapped to an implementation framework: Phase 1 is aligned with the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, Phase 2 and 4 with the Knowledge-to-Action Framework, and Phase 3 and 5 with the Conceptual Framework for Implementation Outcomes.Results Phase 1 identified gaps in students’ knowledge and preferences for learning about pain at school. Phase 2 used these findings and evidence-based concepts to develop three curriculum-aligned, ready-to-teach lessons. Phase 3 piloted the module in two secondary schools, demonstrating acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility while identifying issues with study processes. Phase 4 refined the lessons and study processes based on these findings. Phase 5 describes a cluster randomized controlled trial to evaluate the module.Conclusions The Pain Smart education module was developed using a comprehensive and collaborative learning approach. Using established implementation frameworks ensured the module addresses real-world barriers and perspectives of relevant parties. Ongoing evaluation will determine its effectiveness and inform its future scalability.