Pain Management MSc

Module Aims
To develop an advanced understanding and knowledge of the underpinning causes and associated experiences of pain.

Module Content

• History and epidemiology. Biopsychosocial model with gender consideration
• Chronic versus acute pain e.g.distinctions
• Pain science e.g. physiology of pain systems and syndromes. Taxonomy of pain systems
• Current evidence/research
• Severe pain syndromes
• Patient considerations (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)
• Global impact on a person in pain (spiritual/social/ethical/occupational)

Learning Outcomes

1. Application of the biopsychosocial model to the varied presentations of pain
2. Apply knowledge of complex pain mechanisms to the differentiation between, and impact of, acute and chronic pain

Module Aims
Enhance the knowledge and understanding of different types of pain with an emphasis on clinical importance.

Module Content

• ISP taxonomy of different types of pain
• Acute vs. chronic. Importance of early recognition and prevention of chronicity. Clinically important aspects of acute and chronic pain; difference between nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
• Cancer/Visceral
• Headache/Neuropathic
• Fibromyalgia/musculoskeletal
• Understanding of pain changes in the light of new evidence

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically discriminate between different types of pain
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the complex clinical considerations that need to be taken into account in different types of pain

Module Aims
To develop a critical knowledge of the clinical principles and practice of pain assessment and management.

Module Content

• Assessment
• Measurement
• Diagnosis and Prognosis
• Treatment modalities - Primary Care (British Society Guidance 26/8)
• Alternative treatment modalities
• Clinical management (British Society Guidance 28/30)
• Roles, responsibilities and management

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the assessment and treatment of patients with different pain presentations.
2. Critically appraise treatment modalities in different clinical scenarios

Module Aims
To develop an understanding of different treatment approaches to pain within the context of overall approach to pain management.

Module Content

• Physiology/Pharmacology /Medication
• Psychology/Cognitive Behaviour
• Manual therapies
• Patient Education/Self-Management/ Preventative Education
• Functional Rehabilitation
• Surgery and Post Surgery Care
• Deployment of different modalities for maximum effect

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse current evidence related to multi-disciplinary approach of treating different types of pain
2. Critically evaluate the risk and benefits of different approaches to pain management

Module Aims
Students will have an understanding and appreciation of pain across the life-span and experience.

Module Content

• Older People
• Infants and children
• Disabilities including those with limited communication skills
• Pregnancy
• Vulnerable populations
• Pain in individuals with substance abuse
• Looking at how pain will present itself in all groups
• Considering similarities and differences
• Physical and psychological disorders
• How pain changes
• How to communicate in pain and cognitive impairment
• Working with vulnerable populations (mental health issues, homelessness, learning disabilities, delirium, dementia)
• Social aspects of pain (stigma, social isolation, labelling stigma, labelling isolations)
• Enhancing communication with different social groups

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate ability to manage pain in a variety of complex situations and /or populations
2. Demonstrate ability to communicate with populations who have complex/specific or changing needs

Module Aims
To draw on the knowledge and understanding of previous modules to critically evaluate the development of interdisciplinary pain services

Module Content

• Evidence supporting interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary of pain
• Organisational services The consequences and influence rising from organisations
• The management team in a clinical setting
• The role of evaluating organisations, clinical settings (the way care is organised)
• The realistic expectations of the practitioner and carer
• Emerging ideas of services
• How emerging updated guidelines and impact of services

Learning Outcomes

1. Critically analyse the benefits of inter and multidisciplinary pain management in a clinical setting and the consequences within healthcare schemes
2. Demonstrate expertise in organising approaches to pain management

The module runs over a 12 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies used in pain management. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the professional project module.

You will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.

To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.