• K Gehlhar, D Tauschel, E A Lux, and U Junker.
• Studiendekanat der Medizinischen Fakultät, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Alfred-Herrhausen-Str. 50, 58448 Witten, Deutschland. kirsten.gehlhar@uni-wh.de
• Schmerz. 2011 Feb 1;25(1):45-54.

BackgroundThe subject of pain and pain therapy is not mandatory in medical curricula in Germany. Therefore, the German Society for the Study of Pain (DGSS) has developed a core-curriculum for pain and suggested its implementation for all medical faculties.MethodAt the University of Witten/Herdecke this DGSS core curriculum was extended in terms of a "pain week", which comprised 22 h of seminars and clinical teaching and started in 2009. The knowledge gained by the students regarding the intended learning issues was measured by a pre-post self-assessment questionnaire.ResultsIn almost every category the students reported significant knowledge gain. The learning issues were rated as relevant for the professional career.ConclusionThe "pain week" is intended to be a constant part of the medical curriculum at the University of Witten/Herdecke in the future. It will be integrated into the new cross-sectional subject of palliative care and be assessed by examinations.

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