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Pain Management

Easing Pain in Palliative Care

Regina Fink, Kelly Arora, Amos Bailey, Maurice Scott, and Nancy Robertson

In this course, you will be able to develop a systems view for assessing and managing pain in the palliative care setting. By the end of the course, you will be able to: 1) Describe the pain problem in the palliative care setting; 2) Assess a person’s pain, 3) Explain the benefits of integrative therapies and pharmacologic strategies to manage pain.

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Syllabus

Pain
In this module, you will review pain assessment basics. You will start with defining pain and the scope of the pain problem in the palliative care setting. You will review various pain types and causes of pain in people with serious illness. To understand how pain medications and integrative pain therapies work to decrease pain, you need to know how the body recognizes pain and makes a person hurt. Common barriers to good pain management and myths and misconceptions will be discussed. You will review how to evaluate a person’s pain and how to know if persons are having pain when they cannot tell you. Remember pain is a personal experience.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores pain management in the palliative care setting, which is relevant to healthcare professionals in that field
Provides a deep dive into the assessment, management, and therapy of pain, which is invaluable for professionals in the palliative care setting
Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in pain management and palliative care
Incorporates integrative therapies and pharmacologic strategies, providing a comprehensive approach to pain management
May require prior knowledge in pain management or palliative care for optimal comprehension

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Reviews summary

Essential pain management in palliative care

According to learners, this course provides a solid and practical foundation (positive) for pain management in palliative care settings (neutral). Many found the content on assessment techniques (positive) and non-opioid pain relief (positive) particularly useful and applicable. The course structure is described as clear and logical (positive), with content broken down into manageable modules (neutral). Students frequently highlighted the case study assessment (positive) as an effective way to apply learned concepts (positive). While it offers a good overview, some felt it could delve into more complex or advanced scenarios (warning) for experienced professionals. Overall, students report feeling more confident and equipped (positive) to address pain after completing the course.
Good foundation, limited advanced detail.
"Provides a solid foundation, but I was hoping for more advanced clinical scenarios."
"Good overview for beginners, perhaps less valuable for experienced practitioners seeking deep dives."
"While comprehensive on basics, some complex topics could use more detail."
Well-organized into logical modules.
"The modules were well-structured and easy to follow, building knowledge progressively."
"I appreciated the logical flow of topics from basics to treatments."
"Bite-sized videos made learning manageable."
Realistic case study reinforces learning.
"The final case study was an excellent way to test my understanding and apply the concepts."
"Loved the Mrs. Garcia case - made it feel very real."
"Applying the knowledge to a case made everything click."
Provides useful, applicable knowledge.
"The course provided me with practical information that I can apply immediately in my practice."
"Learned great techniques for pain assessment and managing non-opioid options."
"Very helpful for understanding pain management strategies in palliative settings."
Boosted confidence in managing pain.
"I feel much more confident discussing pain management with patients and families now."
"This course definitely increased my comfort level with palliative pain issues."
"Empowering knowledge that improved my professional skills."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Pain Management: Easing Pain in Palliative Care with these activities:
Study Pain Assessment Basics
Pain assessment skills are vital for recognizing and addressing patient needs.
Browse courses on Pain Assessment
Show steps
  • Review course materials on assessing pain.
  • Review articles on pain assessment techniques.
  • Assess pain in a simulated or clinical setting.
Compile Pain Management Resources
Creating a centralized resource enhances access to pain management information and strategies.
Show steps
  • Gather resources from reputable sources on pain management.
  • Organize the resources according to topic or type.
  • Create a digital or physical compilation for easy reference.
Explore Integrative Pain Management Techniques
Delving into integrative techniques enhances understanding of holistic pain management approaches.
Show steps
  • Watch videos or read articles on various integrative therapies.
  • Attend a workshop or webinar on integrative pain management.
  • Research case studies on the effectiveness of integrative therapies.
One other activity
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all four activities
Develop a Patient Pain Management Education Guide
Creating an educational guide empowers patients to manage their pain effectively.
Show steps
  • Research and synthesize information on pain management.
  • Create an outline for the patient guide.
  • Write and edit the content of the guide.
  • Review the guide with a healthcare professional or patient advocate for feedback.

Career center

Learners who complete Pain Management: Easing Pain in Palliative Care will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Palliative Care Physician
Palliative care physicians specialize in providing comprehensive care to patients with serious illnesses. This course can enhance their expertise in pain management, covering pain assessment, non-pharmacological interventions, and medication management. By gaining knowledge of integrative therapies and the principles of palliative care, palliative care physicians can optimize patient care and improve their quality of life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Palliative Care Physician
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses, or RNs, have a vital role in pain management and palliative care. This course can help build a foundation in pain assessment, non-pharmacological pain treatment, and medication management. This knowledge can help RNs provide comprehensive care to patients with serious illnesses, improving their quality of life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Registered Nurse
Pharmacist
Pharmacists play a crucial role in managing pain in palliative care settings. This course can enhance pharmacists' understanding of pain assessment, medication management, and patient counseling. The emphasis on non-opioid and opioid medications can help pharmacists optimize pain management strategies and improve patient outcomes.
See salaries and explore the career path for Pharmacist
Physician Assistant
Physician assistants collaborate with physicians to provide care to patients, including pain management. This course can help build a strong foundation in pain assessment, different treatment approaches, and medication management. By understanding the principles of palliative care, physician assistants can improve patient care and enhance their role in interdisciplinary pain management teams.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physician Assistant
Hospice Nurse
Hospice nurses specialize in providing care to patients with terminal illnesses. This course can deepen their understanding of pain management in palliative care, including assessment, non-pharmacological interventions, and medication management. By gaining knowledge of integrative therapies and the unique needs of patients at the end of life, hospice nurses can provide compassionate and comprehensive care.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hospice Nurse
Social Worker
Social workers provide psychosocial support to patients and families in palliative care. This course can equip them with knowledge of pain assessment, integrative therapies, and medication management. By understanding the impact of pain on patients' well-being, social workers can advocate for their needs, provide emotional support, and connect them to resources.
See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker
Counselor
Counselors provide emotional support and guidance to individuals and families. This course can equip them with knowledge of pain assessment and the impact of pain on mental health. By understanding the principles of palliative care and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, counselors can provide holistic care that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of pain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Counselor
Chaplain
Chaplains provide spiritual and emotional support to patients and families in palliative care. This course can enhance their understanding of pain assessment and the importance of pain management. By gaining knowledge of integrative therapies and medication management, chaplains can provide holistic care that addresses both the physical and spiritual aspects of pain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chaplain
Acupuncturist
Acupuncturists utilize traditional Chinese medicine to manage pain. This course can provide them with a deeper understanding of pain assessment and the principles of palliative care. By gaining knowledge of integrative therapies and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, acupuncturists can enhance their role in providing holistic pain management.
See salaries and explore the career path for Acupuncturist
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists help patients restore and improve their physical function. This course can provide them with knowledge of pain assessment and the principles of palliative care. By understanding the impact of pain on movement and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, physical therapists can develop individualized interventions to improve patients' mobility and reduce pain.
See salaries and explore the career path for Physical Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists help patients regain or improve their functional skills. This course can provide them with insights into pain assessment and the principles of palliative care. By understanding the impact of pain on daily activities and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, occupational therapists can develop individualized interventions to improve patients' quality of life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Occupational Therapist
Recreational Therapist
Recreational therapists use leisure activities to promote physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. This course can provide them with insights into pain assessment and the principles of palliative care. By understanding the impact of pain on leisure activities and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, recreational therapists can develop individualized interventions to improve patients' quality of life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Recreational Therapist
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists may be involved in providing non-pharmacological pain management in palliative care settings. This course can introduce them to the principles of pain assessment and the benefits of integrative therapies. By understanding the impact of pain on patients' well-being, massage therapists can adapt their techniques to provide safe and effective pain relief.
See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist
Chiropractor
Chiropractors focus on the neuromusculoskeletal system and may be involved in pain management. This course can provide them with insights into pain assessment and the importance of interdisciplinary care in palliative settings. By understanding the principles of palliative care and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, chiropractors can contribute to a comprehensive pain management plan.
See salaries and explore the career path for Chiropractor
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists help patients with communication, swallowing, and cognitive impairments. This course can provide them with insights into pain assessment and the principles of palliative care. By understanding the impact of pain on communication and the unique needs of patients with serious illnesses, speech-language pathologists can develop individualized interventions to improve patients' quality of life.
See salaries and explore the career path for Speech-Language Pathologist

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Pain Management: Easing Pain in Palliative Care.
Cover image
Compassion
Save
Provides a practical guide to the assessment and management of patients with palliative care needs, covering topics such as pain management, symptom control, and communication.
Compassion: The Essence of Palliative and End of...
Paperback
$$
Compassion by Philip Larkin (2015-10-29)
Paperback
$$$$
Compassion: The Essence of Palliative and End-of...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The American Psychiatric Association Practice...
Save
Provides a practical guide to the assessment and management of pain in older adults, covering topics such as pain assessment, pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management, and the ethical issues involved in pain management.
The American Psychiatric Association Practice...
Paperback
$$$
Cover image
Spiritual Care in Palliative Care
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the spiritual care of patients with palliative care needs, covering topics such as the assessment of spiritual needs, the provision of spiritual care, and the ethical issues involved in spiritual care.
Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: What it is and...
Hardcover
$$$$
Spiritual Care in Palliative Care: What it is and...
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Cover image
Palliative Care Ethics
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues involved in palliative care, covering topics such as the definition of palliative care, the principles of palliative care, and the ethical issues involved in the care of dying patients.
Palliative Care Ethics: A Companion for All...
Paperback
$$$$
Cover image
Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering...
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of nurses in palliative care, covering topics such as the assessment of palliative care needs, the provision of palliative care, and the ethical issues involved in palliative care.
Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering...
Paperback
$$
Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering...
Paperback
$$
Palliative Care Nursing: Caring for Suffering...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
Palliative Care
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of social workers in palliative care, covering topics such as the assessment of palliative care needs, the provision of palliative care, and the ethical issues involved in palliative care.
Palliative Care: A Guide for Health Social Workers
Paperback
$$
Palliative Care: A Guide for Health Social Workers
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
When Someone You Love is Dying
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of chaplains in palliative care, covering topics such as the assessment of palliative care needs, the provision of palliative care, and the ethical issues involved in palliative care.
When Someone You Love Is Dying: Making Wise...
Paperback
$
Cover image
Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing
Save
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of palliative care, covering topics such as the definition of palliative care, the principles of palliative care, and the ethical issues involved in the care of dying patients.
Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing (Oxford...
Hardcover
$$$$
Oxford Textbook of Palliative Nursing (Oxford...
Kindle Edition
$$$$

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Course image
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado System
Instructors
Regina Fink
Kelly Arora
Amos Bailey
Maurice Scott
Nancy Robertson
Language
English
Transcripts
Español Français Português Deutsch Italiano 中文 العربية 한국어 日本語 हिंदी Nederlands Svenska Pусский Türkçe Polski Ελληνικά українська мова Bahasa Indonesia ไทย қазақша
This course belongs to a collection called Palliative Care: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore. It's comprised of five courses:
  1. Palliative Care Capstone Projects
  2. What is Palliative Care?
  3. Easing Physical Symptoms: It's Not Just Hospice Anymore
  4. Psychosocial and Spiritual Aspects of Palliative Care
  5. Pain Management: Easing Pain in Palliative Care (viewing)
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores pain management in the palliative care setting, which is relevant to healthcare professionals in that field
Provides a deep dive into the assessment, management, and therapy of pain, which is invaluable for professionals in the palliative care setting
Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in pain management and palliative care
Incorporates integrative therapies and pharmacologic strategies, providing a comprehensive approach to pain management
May require prior knowledge in pain management or palliative care for optimal comprehension
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