PAIN MANAGEMENT - 1 CONTACT HOUR

Course overview

Healthcare providers play important roles in the assessment of and treatment options for the millions of U.S. citizens experiencing pain. This educational course will present an overview of pain including a definition, discussion of acute and chronic pain, and description of pain types. The physiology of pain and its impact on economic and personal statuses will follow and, finally, an overview of pain assessment and treatment will be presented as well as a list of educational resources related to pain and pain management. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Define pain according to the International Association for the Study of Pain. 2. Examine the physiology, classifications, and characteristics of acute and chronic pain. 3. Address the impact of pain on economic and personal statuses and on potential prescription drug abuse. 4. Describe the requisite steps in assessing and treating pain. 5. Explore the pain management and experience educational and support resources available for patients and/or families.