Pain Assessment and Management (APP769 / HEAE303)

The modules will explore factors influencing the assessment and management of pain using appropriate evidence-based practice
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Key features

The aim of this module is to demonstrate through evidence, an increased awareness of the role of the nurse / AHP as a member of the multidisciplinary team when dealing with the patient in pain. 
On completion of the module the student will show evidence, through their critical reading and reflection on the experience of pain and demonstrate the ability to select traditional and adjuvant methods of pain control using a framework of evidence-based literature.  
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Module code

HEAE303 / APP769

Credits

20

FHEQ Level 

HEAE303 Level 6 - degree / APP769 Level 7 - masters degree

Location

Distance learning 

Module details - HEAE303 (Level 6)

The aim of this module is to demonstrate through evidence, an increased awareness of the role of the nurse / AHP as a member of the multidisciplinary team when dealing with the patient in pain. The student will reflect upon their role involved in the assessment and resolution of problems related to pain and demonstrate the ability to select traditional and adjuvant methods of pain control using a framework of evidence-based literature.  
Summary of module content 
  • Anatomy and physiology or pain
  • Pain tools - assessment of pain
  • Definitions of pain, acute, chronic
  • Pharmacology
  • Multi-disciplinary teamwork
  • Psychology of pain and coping strategies
  • Management approaches - including adjuvant approaches.

Learning outcomes

  • Discuss classical and contemporary pain models in relation to the sociocultural aspects of their own practice
  • Identify and discuss the range of tools available to be used in the clinical practice area
  • Discuss the role of the multi-Disciplinary team identifying their own role/contribution in the management of the patients’ pain experience
  • Discuss the use of evidence-based pharmacology demonstrating its use in practice
  • Discuss the use of psychological pain factors and the use of evidence-based practice approaches to aide pain control and coping mechanisms
Practitioners will be able to understand and explore evidence in order to underpin practice and complex decision-making skills; focusing on the comprehensive health assessment and clinical reasoning and decision-making skills associated with Pain assessment and management.
 

Module details - APP769 (Level 7)

On completion of the module the student will show evidence, through their critical reading and reflection on the experience of pain. The student will demonstrate an increased critical awareness of the role of the nurse / AHP as a member of the multidisciplinary team. The student will reflect upon their role involved in the assessment and resolution of problems related to pain. The student will demonstrate the ability to select traditional and adjuvant methods of pain control using a framework of evidence-based literature. This will be demonstrated through either a reflective portfolio of work or a systematic review of the literature related to either pain assessment or management.
Summary of module content 
The module will cover key aspects of the pain experience including the history and development of pain, identifying pain, measuring pain and managing pain including the contribution of all of the members of the MDT. Students will be expected to critically reflect upon their roles as members of the team and the contribution that they can make as an advocate for the patients in their care in either assessment or management of pain. Our primary focus will be on the acute pain experience which is encountered by practitioners in every field of nursing and health care, from medical, surgical, maternity and community settings. This serves a foundation to the different types of pain which practitioners and students may encounter in their future practice, such as chronic pain or pain in special groups (ageing, dementia, child health).

Learning outcomes

  • Critically appraise classical and contemporary pain models in relation to the sociocultural aspects of their own practice and demonstrate application into clinical practice.
  • Identify implement and critically evaluate the range of tools available to be used in the clinical practice area and discuss limitations and facilitators.
  • Critically analyse the role of the multi-disciplinary team identifying their own role/contribution in the management of the patients’ pain experience and critically reflect upon the barriers to facilitating MDT pain management.
  • Critically analyse the use of evidence-based pharmacology demonstrating its use in practice and demonstrate and understanding of the weaknesses in the use of pharmacological interventions.   
  • Critically appraise the use of psychological pain factors and the use of evidence-based practice approaches to aide pain control and coping mechanisms and demonstrate an understanding of when they can be applied in the clinical setting.  
 

Admissions information 

Additional information and documentation required for the application process.
  • Application forms. 
  • Change of name forms.
  • Pre-course information.
  • Downloadable guides.
  • Student card.
 
Admissions information Additional information and documentation required for the application process.Access to application forms, download guides and confirmation information. Visit our admissions homepage.
 

Module dates

This module will be recruiting for a 2024 / 2025 start. Dates to follow. 
Occasionally delivery dates might be subject to change - always check with the module lead or Professional Development Unit.
Please be aware that all modules run to minimum numbers.
In the event that there are low numbers, this module may be rescheduled to an alternative date.
Some modules are also subject to maximum numbers.

Entry requirements

 You will normally be a healthcare professional with a first degree or a related academic degree. BSc (Hons) at 2:2 or above, or European first cycle equivalent. Clinicians without a degree but with appropriate experience may be eligible to apply. Overseas students require IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent required. 
As this module is delivered online it isn't available to full-time international students with student route visas.  

Fees 

Module lead

The lead for both modules is  Professor Patricia Schofield 
 

You can contact the Professional Development Unit with any queries

Prospective student enquiries:
Current student enquiries:
Professional Development Unit, Level 4 Rolle Building, University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, United Kingdom.
Monday – Thursday 8:30–17:00 and Friday 8:30–16:30.
 
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