Assessing the Reconceptualization of Pain in Graduate-Entry Physiotherapy Students Using the Concept of Pain Inventory for Adults: The University of Technology Sydney Physiotherapy Student Surveys Project

Abstract

Introduction. Validly and reliably assessing conceptual change is essential for evaluating the effectiveness of pain science education for physiotherapy students. We aimed to 1) evaluate concept of pain before and after a 14-week pain science education university subject, 2) assess structural validity of the Concept of Pain Inventory for Adults (COPI-Adult) in postgraduate entry-level physiotherapy students, and 3) explore possible relationships between baseline variables and baseline COPI-Adult scores. Review of Literature. As the COPI-Adult is a newly developed questionnaire, there is a lack of data regarding its psychometric properties. Subjects. Of 129 enrolled students at an Australian university, 124 (96%) and 114 (88%) completed the baseline and follow-up questionnaires, respectively. Methods. In this prospective cohort study, students who commenced the degree in 2020 or 2021 completed online questionnaires, including the COPI-Adult, at the start and end of their first semester. This semester included a 14-week pain science education subject and other physiotherapy-related subjects. Higher COPI-Adult scores (range = 0–52) indicate better alignment with contemporary pain science. We 1) compared differences in concept of pain before and after the semester, 2) performed a confirmatory factor analysis on the COPI-Adult, and 3) performed exploratory regression analyses. Results. Concept of Pain Inventory for Adults scores increased from baseline (median [interquartile range]: 39 [36–44]) to follow-up (48 [44–51]). The COPI-Adult retained its 1-factor structure, with acceptable internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.80). Exploratory analysis showed that previously completing a subject on pain was related to higher COPI-Adult baseline scores. Age, gender, and mental health diagnosis did not relate to baseline COPI-Adult scores. Discussion and Conclusion. Following a 14-week pain science education subject embedded within a physiotherapy degree, students improved their concept of pain. The COPI-Adult maintains a 1-factor structure in this population. Completing a previous subject on pain was associated with higher COPI-Adult scores.