Der Schmerz
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There is currently an emphasis on the biopsychosocial concept of pain in pain therapy programs. However, the complexity of chronic pain, in particular its importance for those affected by it, can only be insufficiently captured with this concept. This is due to the fact that, to date, one core aspect of the phenomenon chronic pain has only rarely been taken into account: its existential character. ⋯ Current treatment concepts, however, do not adequately consider the existential character of such challenges. Chronic pain should therefore always be perceived and treated from a holistic perspective. In this context, the aspects of recognizing its uniqueness, helping to express the pain and giving space to the experience are to be given special consideration in order to support chronic pain patients in dealing with their pain.
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As the continuation and implementation of findings from basic (pre‑)clinical research, clinical trials make a significant contribution to medical research. They form the central building block of translational medicine and thus make a decisive contribution to bringing medical knowledge into general care. ⋯ In academia in particular, expertise in a variety of fields is required in order to make investigator-driven clinical trials a success. This expertise can be provided by a clinical trial center based within the institution conducting the trial.