Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is among the leading causes of disability in Europe, affecting an estimated 200 million people. Despite its prevalence, access to clear, evidence-based information remains uneven – for healthcare professionals and people living with pain alike.
EFIC is pleased to highlight the resources now available through Digi4MSK, a European Erasmus+ Alliance for Innovation project that brings together universities, healthcare institutions, patient organisations, and digital experts to improve musculoskeletal health literacy across Europe.
What is available
The project offers two types of freely accessible resources, each designed for a distinct audience.
For healthcare professionals and students, a structured online course on MSK pain and self-management is available, with monthly editions running from April to September 2026. Built on a biopsychosocial framework, the course covers self-management principles, patient motivation, communication strategies, and clinical red flag identification. It includes videos, clinical examples, and downloadable materials. A companion Book of Good Practices offers 26 clinical vignettes alongside practical guidance on behaviour change, health literacy, and person-centred communication – designed to bridge the gap between research and everyday clinical encounters.
For people living with MSK pain, a free self-paced online course and a Practical Guide for People with Pain are both available. The course, co-created with people with lived experience, uses plain language and real-life examples to explain how pain works, why it can persist, and how to manage daily life more confidently. The guide addresses common situations people encounter in healthcare and daily routines, supporting shared decision-making and gradual self-management.
All resources are free of charge and available in English, Spanish, German, Danish, and Italian.
Why these resources matter
Improving pain literacy – among clinicians and people living with pain – is central to reducing treatment gaps and supporting better outcomes. These resources translate current pain science into accessible, actionable content, making them a practical addition to professional development programmes, patient support services, and public health communication.
Access the Digi4MSK resources
For healthcare professionals and students:
- Online Course for Healthcare Professionals: English, Spanish, Danish, German
- Book of Good Practices for Healthcare Professionals: English, Spanish, Danish, German, Italian
For people living with MSK pain:
- Online Course for People with MSK Pain: English, Spanish, Danish, German
- Practical Guide for People with Pain: English, Spanish, Danish, German, Italian
Explore all Digi4MSK resources at digi4msk.eu.
