Our understanding of pain has increased significantly over the past 40 years, allowing us to understand basic pain mechanisms and develop treatments for improved pain management. However, there are many challenges preventing us from applying basic science towards improved clinical outcomes. Likewise, our assumptions of what works for patients are sometimes difficult to validate with preclinical modelling. The European Pain Federation EFIC opinion paper on challenges and opportunities in translational pain research attempts to define what is holding back our understanding and point towards solutions. The paper, developed by the EFIC Translational Research Working Group under chair Thomas Graven Nielsen, should act as a touch stone for the scientific community and has recommendations for the conduct of both basic and clinical research. Read the full paper here.
Watch the interview with the authors below.
