The representation of individuals from ethnically minoritised groups in pain science education randomised controlled trials: a scoping review

Background:
Pain science education seeks to improve an individual’s understanding of their pain, and thus improve outcomes. It has been primarily developed and tested within western cultures. The extent and nature of ethnically minoritised group involvement in pain science education trials is unknown.

Objective:
This scoping review aimed to investigate the level of representation of people from ethnically minoritised groups in pain science education randomised controlled trials.

Methods:
This scoping review follows Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and is reported in line with PRISMA-SCR guidelines. The following search engines were reviewed: CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, AMED and APA PSYCArticles. Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials involving people with chronic pain who had received pain science education as a focused intervention. The two stage study selection process and data extraction were completed by independent reviewers. Data is presented to quantify ethnically minoritised representation.

Results:
Sixty-two studies were included in the review, totaling 4685 participants. Nineteen studies reported on ethnicity, ten included no participants from minoritised groups, whilst nine included ethnically minoritised participants ranging from 3-29%.

Conclusion:
Overall, this review identified that participant ethnicity is not commonly reported in pain science education randomised controlled trials, which highlights an urgent need for better reporting. Where data on ethnicity was reported, ethnically minoritised groups were largely under-represented, raising questions about the generalisability of existing evidence, and underscoring the need for more inclusive and representative research practices in pain science education trials.