Pain Mechanisms and Contributors 2 (P01675)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : MED-P-P01094

This course or module aims to introduce and develop participants understanding about the basic neuroscience of pain and the interrelationship between psychological, physiological and environmental processes in pain. Neuro-anatomical, physiological, pharmacological, and biochemical mechanisms involved in nociception, including peripheral and central sensitisation. Theoretical bases are introduced, including the Gate Control Theory (Melzack and Wall), and the ways in which psychological and environmental factors modify or maintain pain perception and behaviour.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : None other than the programme entry requirements.

? Co-requisites : Students must be registered on the Masters programme in Pain Management.

? Special Arrangements for Entry : All courses will be delivered taught by distance learning, using WebCT as the delivery platform. Registered students are provided with a user name and password that allows them to access a protected course web site. The website provides a variety of educational material and supports a range of approaches by the students to the material provided. Online delivery will be supported through the provision of video cassettes and interactive multimedia tutorials and discussions with peers and tutors. The website also houses a number of interactive tutorials that allow students to work with information in a self-paced manner to test their understanding of important concepts and principles.

Study guides with lecture notes are available, either to be read on screen or printed by the students for private use. Selected readings from relevant journals and textbooks are also provided. A CD ROM of the course readings is mailed to each student at the beginning of the year.

? Costs : n/a

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Pain Management, (Medicine, Schedule R)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Block 5 only

? Additional Class Information : All courses (core and electives) will be delivered taught by distance learning, using WebCT as the delivery platform.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to contribute to improved patient outcomes by providing postgraduate, clinically relevant education of international standard in the sciences, concepts, approaches and procedures forming the basis of pain management in the context of the multidisciplinary team.

Assessment Information

The four core courses taken in Year 1 are each assessed by participation in online discussion, multiple choice questioning and a written assignment of 3,000 - 4,000 words. The written assignment is worth 80% of the marks, the rest of the assessments is worth 20%.

Key principles that will underpin assessment activities are evidence-based practice and the application of theory to clinical practice. The principle of constructive alignment will underpin all assessments. This will ensure the assessment tasks are aligned with the specific course objectives, the content of the course and the teaching methods employed.