Advanced Pain Life Support (APLS) Simulation Training for Interventional Pain Physicians

Abstract

Abstract This resource was designed to provide educational interventions, including pre- and posttests, didactic lectures, and simulation/learner feedback, to increase the interventional pain physician's knowledge, skills, and attitudes related to responding appropriately to emergent complications occurring during specialized procedures. All physicians performing these types of specialized procedures would benefit from this training in challenging situations using a team approach, active thinking, and timely feedback during simulation of catastrophic scenarios. Improved outcomes compared to historical data would indicate improved patient safety as a result. Pre- and posttest data comparisons identify the effectiveness of this training. Participants reported that the course was appropriate for their level of training, it was worthwhile use of their time, and mandatory repetition before completion of their fellowship was important. This curriculum is fundamental in the training of nonanesthesia background pain fellows to promote patient safety and it is reasonable to mandate any institution that is involved in chronic pain procedures to adapt advanced pain life support into their programs.

Keywords

• Interventional Pain
• Complications
• Crisis Scenario
• Anaphylactic Reaction
• Airway Compromise
• Intra-Thecal Injection