Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Description This module will explore current pain theories relevant to the biopsychosocial, holistic model of pain management to enable patients with pain and their carers and close others to achieve optimal outcomes and quality of life. Module content will include a life span approach to all aspects of pain experience including classifications and types of pain and genetic, social, cultural, gender, ethnic and environmental influences on pain perception and experience. A systems and ecological approach will underpin the module to impart knowledge, concepts and techniques regarding (a) the assessment of pain as a prerequisite for best practice and (b) pain as the fifth vital sign. In addition the module will address: basic communication skills relevant to different populations across the lifespan; the WHO analgesic ladder; pharmacotherapeutic and nonpharmacotherapeutic interventions for pain management and symptom control; side effects and safety issues; pain, stress, distress, anxiety and depression; the role of the Pain Clinic, MDT and specialist pain nurse; enhancement/development of self efficacy and empowerment of the patient with pain through support, health promotion and patient education. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Learning Outcomes 1. Classify different types of pain and the implications of pain experience across the life span. 2. Outline the evolution of pain theories and principles of pain management and the biopsychosocial model and apply to the care of the patient in pain and his or her family and close others. 3. Describe the principles of quality pain assessment,defend pain as the 5th vital sign and demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to assess pain in patients of different ages with different levels of comprehension and cognitive function. 4. Describe in detail the WHO analgesic ladder and discuss and defend the rational of pharmacotherapeutic and non pharmacotherapeutic interventions in pain management. 5. Discuss the rationale for the Pain Clinic, multidisciplinary care and the role of the specialist pain nurse in best practice of the patient in pain 6. Describe the relevance of health promotion and patient and family education in pain management. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
Evolution of and current theories of paincurrent theories of pain (GCT) and the application of the biopsychosocial model; implications for the quality of life for the person with painAnatomy and physiology of pain; pain epidemiology and classificationanatomy and physiology of pain; pain classification; acute, chronic malignant and nonmalignant pain; comordid pain conditions; genetic, social, cultural, gender, ethnic, environmental and lifespan influences on a person s pain perception and experiencePrinciples of quality in pain assessmentprinciples of quality in pain assessment; best practice concepts and techniques underpinned by systems, social, ecological and health promoting approaches to pain assessment and management; basic communication and counselling skills; rationale for the assessment, treatment and prevention of chronic pain; pain as a public health issue; reasons for undertreatment of pain; rationale for pain practice auditPharmacotherapeutic and nonpharmacotherapeutic interventions for pain managementpain as the fifth vital sign; management of acute pain; WHO analgesic ladder; patient controlled analgesia; pharmacotherapeutic and nonpharmacotherapeutic interventions for pain management and symptom control; modes of administration; drug treatment side effects, risks and safety issues across the life span;the role of CBT and CAM in pain management and enhancing patient coping, self efficacy, well being and quality of life.Psychological effects and mental healthimplications of pain for stress, distress, anxiety depression, PTSD and suicide ideation; patient short, medium and long term health outcomes;The multidisciplinary pain service/teamhealth systems, integrated care/referral pathways: assessment, treatment and management of the patient with acute, chronic nonmalignant or malignant pain; pain across the illness trajectory; patient and family empowerment through appropriate support, health promotion and education; the role of the specialist pain nurse | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources 59029, IASP website, IASP, 2021, International Association for the Study of Pain, Washington USA, IASP, https://www.iasp-pain.org/, 59030, http://www.chronicpainireland.org/, Government of Ireland, 2021, Chronic Pain Ireland, Dublin, Pobal Government of Ireland, https://www.chronicpain.ie/, | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||