Pain Management

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

Aims of the module:

To prepare students for an independent research-based project by developing skills in selecting, appraising, discriminating, using evidence and appropriate research/investigative methods to address relevant topics for investigation.

Module Content:

• Quantitative Studies
• Statistical Analysis Interpretation
• Interpreting the Evidence
• Meta-analysis and Systematic Reviews
• Qualitative Studies
• Evidence Appraisal: Interpreting, Weighing and Synthesising the Evidence
• Audit, Governance and Quality Improvement, Health Economics
• Preparing a Research Proposal: Research Committees, Consent, Ethics, Probity and Literature Review

Learning outcomes:

1. Critically analyse and interpret research to assess its application to delivery/service development.
2. Evaluate and synthesise diverse methodological approaches and research tools to formulate and investigate complex questions within your field of practice.

Aims of the module:

• To formulate the research question that you seek to answer.
• To develop an ability to critically evaluate areas of professional practice.
• To critically appraise specific areas of clinical, research and organisational practice.
• To develop skills in independent research and study.
• To develop skills relevant to scientific publications.

Module Content:
The module will depend on the creation of a piece of work based upon a project relevant to the student’s practice. This project may comprise:

• Systematic literature review and appraisal of the evidence.
• Audit of non-patient data/organisational audit
• Review and implementation of evidence-based practice.
• Literature review and qualitative or quantitative research proposal.
• Case(s)-based and quality of service review with critical appraisal.
• Case report, review of literature and organisational assessment.
• Secondary data analysis.

Learning outcomes:

1. Synthesise advanced knowledge of research to conceptualise, plan, and execute an original investigation that contributes significant insights to a chosen field of practice.
2. Critically evaluate practice and suggest improvements or change in a chosen healthcare setting.
3. Incorporate knowledge of the research process in developing services appropriately.

As each Medical Council has their own rules/regulations with regard to Postgraduate study we recommend that you contact your local Medical Council with regard to recognition.

Upon completion of the course the University would invite you to a graduation ceremony and provide your certificate which makes no reference to the fact that the course was studied online and is therefore typically recognised the same as any other UK University qualification.

Rest assured, the overall Postgraduate Diploma carries a total of 1,200 CPD points, with the MSc an additional 600 CPD points, and all official certifications are issued directly by the University.

When you study one of our programmes you may be surprised to find that there are no lectures or seminars. Your learning will be self-directed meaning that rather than being told information you find it for yourself (with tutor guidance and support). We do this via a series of clinically rich scenarios which your tutor will post on our academic forum which you and your classmates will research, respond to and discuss.

You will be assessed through the Academic Forum, Reflective Journal and Assignments. Learning will be carried out using our online learning platform: Moodle.

You can study whenever and wherever you want - our programmes are totally flexible to fit around your other work and life commitments.

The course is specifically designed so that part of your study is the application of theory to practice in your day job.

We typically suggest that students aim to log into the Moodle platform daily. We recommend a "little and often" approach for reading, reflection and/or posting. High achieving students will typically spend 1-2 hours dedicated to their studies a day; 10 hours per week is sufficient time to spend on the platform.

Those who cannot dedicate more time than once/twice per week may struggle with the demands of this postgraduate programme.

Yes, everything is done entirely online through our learning platform, Moodle. You do not need to attend the University.

All of our courses are delivered in English, so proficiency in the English language is essential for success. If English is not your first language, we require proof of competency as part of your application. We accept the following as proof of English Language skills:

We Accept a Range of English Language Qualifications
While IELTS and TOEFL are among the most commonly used English tests, we understand that students come from diverse backgrounds — and we’re happy to work with you to accept a wide range of other recognised English language qualifications.

We accept IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
Our most commonly accepted test, IELTS is globally recognised and widely used for university admissions.

We accept TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Another widely accepted test, TOEFL assesses your reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills in an academic setting.

We accept English Medium of Instruction (EMI) Letters
Many of our international students provide an EMI (English Medium Instruction) letter from their previous institution. This letter should confirm that you were taught in the medium of English. It is a popular and widely accepted form of proof, especially if you have completed prior academic studies in English.

Our University partners Requirements
The University of South Wales accepts an overall score of 6.0 (minimum of 5.5 for each band) and The University of Buckingham accepts an overall score of 6.5 (minimum of 6.0 for each band).

Our Flexible Instalment Plan is designed to offer ultimate flexibility to pay for your programme. You have the choice of two payment options:

Make an Upfront Payment in Full: For those who prefer to settle their fees upfront, you can pay the full amount at the beginning of your programme.

Interest-Free Payments: Alternatively, you can choose to spread your payments out with interest-free instalments every month for the duration of your course.

These options are separate from our existing lending partners, which you can explore further on our programme pages. We believe that education should be accessible to all, and our Flexible Instalment Plan is just one of the ways we are committed to supporting you in your academic journey.

We currently offer two discounts: the Early Bird Discount and the Action Taker Discount. The Early Bird discount allows you to save up to £500 or more, available only to self-funders and is a limited-time offer that runs for the entirety of November for the March cohort or the entirety of May for the September cohort. Our Action Taker Discount allows you to save up to £150 off for PGCert and £250 off for PGDip/2-year MSc programmes. To qualify for Action Takers, you must pay the deposit within 7 days of acceptance.

For Early Bird Discounts, the discount is visible if your application and acceptance are completed within the required timeframe. For Action Taker Discounts, it will reflect once conditions are met.