Understanding and Assessing Pain

The module is suitable for nurses, allied healthcare professionals and those with an interest in the provision of quality palliative care.

Find out more about fees and funding.

To enable you to:

• Describe pain pathways
• Demonstrate an understanding of the subjective nature of the pain experience
• Explore the philosophical issues associated with pain perception and communication
• Critically examine contemporary approaches to pain assessment.

This module is delivered online. The resources are extensive and a series of discussion boards provides opportunity for sharing of ideas, learning and feedback.

The module will start with an in-depth examination of the various theories of pain, which will extend your understanding of the social, psychological and physiological basis of acute and chronic pain.

The complex sequelae of pain, especially chronic pain will be discussed. This will draw on pain patients' reports, case studies and the empirical literature.

Discussions will allow the students to critically examine attitudes to pain in society and in healthcare settings, which are formed (or misinformed) by various theoretical positions.

This is a fully online module that combines the use of:

• Online learning through Canvas, our virtual learning environment
• Asynchronous and synchronous lectures
• Open and facilitated discussion fora
• Independent directed study and open office hours

There is an opportunity to connect with and interact with fellow students from other health care sectors to explore the individual experience of pain.

Mrs Agnieszka Burns

The learning from this module will enhance your evidence based knowledge and understanding to inform your practice and can be used as part of your academic and professional development.