IASP Pain Management Camp in Latin-America: A learning and networking experience

Abstract

Backgraound. Chronic pain affects a quarter of the planet’s population. Latin America does not have its own statistics but it is suggested that up to 42% of the elder population suffers from chronic pain. This figure surpasses the reports from other latitudes. It is important to have global programs that could make accessible knowledge to Latin American physicians who are interested in the treatment of pain.
Materials and Method. A five-day course was held in Mexico City, this event was organized by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the local chapter (Mexican Association for the Study and Treatment of Pain, AMETD). It was a multicentre event with participation of 28 attendees from 10 Latin American countries including Mexico.
Results. Satisfaction surveys favor the IASP Pain Management Camp program and 100% of the attendees recommend it extensively.
Conclusions.. It is important to foster medical collaboration among Latin American countries because we do not only share history but also interests. Conducting these types of courses will encourage better generations of interested in the study of pain. It is advisable to generate educational research in the monitoring of this type of programs.