Overview
An overview of the current understanding of pain as a multi-dimensional phenomenon, including: pain concepts and history; introduction to neuropathophysiology of nociceptive, inflammatory, neuropathic and nociplastic mechanisms; pain assessment; and the psychological, social and economic aspects of both acute and chronic pain.
This paper will help clinicians to understand the multifactorial nature of pain so that they can provide patient-centred care.
About this paper
| Paper title | Introduction to Pain |
|---|---|
| Subject | Pain and Pain Management |
| EFTS | 0.1250 |
| Points | 15 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (Distance learning) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,578.88 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Restriction
- MSME 704
- Limited to
- MHealSc, PGCertHealSc, PGCertMSM, PGCertPHC, PGDipHealSc, PGDipMSM, PGDipPHC, PGDipPhty, MPhty
- Eligibility
- Appropriately qualified health professionals such as medical practitioners, nurses, occupational therapists, osteopaths, physiotherapists - those with prior experience in a related health area may apply, subject to the approval of the MSM and Pain Executive Committee.
- Contact
Further information:
Administrator Client Services
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine
University of Otago, Christchurch
PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand
Tel +64 21 279 1423
Email msmandpainstudies.uoc@otago.ac.nz- More information link
- View more information on the Musculoskeletal and Pain Management Programmes website
- Teaching staff
Paper Co-ordinator: Dr Bronwyn Lennox Thompson
- Paper Structure
The paper consists of eight modules covering historic and conceptual models, an introduction to neurobiology, pain behaviour and disability, thoughts and emotions, and specific pain mechanisms in acute and chronic pain.
The broad topics include:
- Introduction, historic and conceptual models of pain
- An introduction to neurobiology of pain
- Pain and disability
- Pain and cognitions
- Transition from acute pain to chronic disability
- Neuropathic pain
- Nociceptive pain
- Nociplastic pain
- Teaching Arrangements
This Distance Learning paper is taught remotely.
Material is provided electronically via the Blackboard Learning Management System and is taught in eight fortnightly sessions using Zoom video-conferencing.
- Textbooks
Textbook information will be sent out at the beginning of the year.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Scholarship, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will understand and apply a multidimensional approach to pain. They will finish the paper having a good grasp of the fundamentals of pain and be able to consider the aspects that are important when a person with pain comes looking for help. Interprofessional team knowledge is encouraged. The two key questions clinicians should ask are emphasised:
- Why is this person presenting in this way at this time?
- What can be done to reduce this person's distress and disability?