Pain Management

 

Unit of study descriptions

BETH5209 Medicines Policy, Economics and Ethics

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Wendy Lipworth, Narcyz Ghinea Session: Semester 2 Classes: Fully online. Assumed knowledge: A degree in science, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, allied health, philosophy/ethics, sociology/anthropology, history, law, communications, public policy, business, economics, commerce, organisation studies, or other relevant field, or by special permission. Assessment: Online work (15%) 1x minor essay (35%) 1x major essay (50%) Mode of delivery: Online
Medicines save lives but they can be costly and can have serious adverse effects. Value-laden decisions are continuously being made at individual, institutional, national and international levels regarding the medicines we need, want and can afford. In this unit of study, we will explore and critique global and national policies and processes related to medicines, examining how research and development agendas are set; how medicines are assessed and evaluated; and how new technologies are translated into practice. We will also explore broader trends such as globalisation, commercialisation and changing consumer expectations. By the end of the course, students will understand the forces shaping the development, regulation, funding and uptake of medicines both nationally and internationally, and the political, ethical, legal and economic issues that are at stake. This course is designed to appeal to a wide range of students from ethics, law, public health, health care, policy, communications, economics, business, politics, administration, and biomedical science.
Textbooks
Readings will be provided
PAIN5001 Introduction to Pain Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Nicholas Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
To introduce participants to the problem of pain within a multidisciplinary team framework and to highlight the extent of the problem in the community. The unit provides an overview of historical and philosophical models of pain and its management methods over time. Current classifications of pain are examined and the interrelationship between various paradigms of health and illness are outlined. Participants also begin to consider the principles of research design and biostatistics, and explore professional and ethical issues.
PAIN5002 Pain Mechanisms and Contributors

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Michael Nicholas and Dr Christopher Vaughan Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
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 are discussed. Theoretical bases are introduced and the ways in which psychological and environmental factors modify or maintain pain perception and behaviour are explored.
PAIN5003 Pain Treatment and Management Principles

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Charles Brooker Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
To introduce participants to the core principles of pain assessment, treatment and management. Participants consider the biopsychosocial model and the scientific basis for assessment, diagnosis and treatment. They explore principles of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, together with routes of drug administration. The role of physiotherapy and rehabilitation management, and the use of procedures such as neural blockade, simulation techniques and surgery are also considered.
PAIN5004 Pain Conditions

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Philip Siddall Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
The unit provides an introduction to a range of pain conditions. Participants are encouraged to integrate and apply previous learning to specific pain problems, acute, chronic and cancer pain. Recent advances in pain relief techniques are introduced and specific issues in the management of pain in children and older people are considered.
PAIN5005 Orofacial Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Vickers Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%) 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
Orofacial pain is frequently reported in the general population and is severe. It encompasses several conditions that involve medical, dental and psychological variables such as neuralgia, neuropathic pain, and temporomandibular disorder and related headache syndromes. The purpose of this unit is to explore the principles of orofacial pain mechanisms, symptomatology and treatments. Topics include orofacial pain assessment, diagnostic tests including local anaesthetic blocks, specific pharmacology for orofacial pain, and multidisciplinary treatment approaches.
PAIN5006 Issues, Controversies in Pain Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Claire Ashton-James and Dr Elizabeth Devonshire Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Prerequisites: PAIN5001 and PAIN5002 Corequisites: PAIN5003 and PAIN5004 Assessment: participation in online discussion (40%). 2000 -3000 word written assignment/s (or equivalent) (60%) Mode of delivery: Online
This is the capstone unit in the Masters of Medicine (Pain Management) and the Master of Science in Medicine (Pain Management). The unit provides participants with an opportunity to draw together their learning that has taken place during the award, synthesise this with their prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.
PAIN5010 Clinical Aspects of Neurobiology

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Duncan Sanders Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit aims to build on information acquired from previous units, exploring the neurobiological contributors to pain, how they are influenced by the mind and their implications for assessment and management of different pain conditions. It examines nociceptive, neuropathic and neuroplastic mechanisms and their contribution to pain; the link between mind and body and how psychological processes contribute to and modify the experience of pain through modulation of the neurobiological components.
PAIN5011 Psychology of Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarah Overton, Dr Brad Wood Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit aims to provide a comprehensive study of current psychological perspectives and research on the experience and impact of pain. Theoretical models are introduced and the ways in which psychological processes might modify and/or maintain pain experience are explored. The processes explored include the roles of attention, learning, affect/mood, beliefs, self-talk, coping strategies, and interactions with environmental factors such as significant others, social contingencies and contexts (including culture, gender, workplace, etc.). Attention is given to incorporating psychosocial assessment within a biopsychosocial framework.
PAIN5013 Musculoskeletal Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Damien Finniss Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores aspects of the assessment and management of musculoskeletal pain. Topics include anatomical/physiological mechanisms, medical and non-medical assessment and management, together with regional pain syndromes.
PAIN5014 Cancer Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Ghauri Aggarwal Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit addresses the biopsychosocial assessment and management of pain associated with cancer. Recent advances in pain relief techniques including delivery systems for patient control of pain are reviewed, together with appropriate assessment and treatment approaches for psychological factors such as depression, grief and stress.
PAIN5015 Pharmacology of Pain Medicine

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Olly Zekry Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores the pharmacology of analgesic drugs and their application in the clinical context. Using a case based approach a range of pain conditions and the pharmacological implications will be explored.
PAIN5016 Psychological Approaches in Pain Mgmt

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Sarah Overton, Dr Brad Wood Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Prerequisites: PAIN5011 Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit is primarily focused on the influence of psychological variables in the implementation of all treatments, both somatic and psychological. The implications of the bio-psychosocial model of chronic pain for interdisciplinary interventions are discussed. The evidence for interventions based on psychological principles is critically examined and implementation of these interventions in a range of clinical settings is explored.
PAIN5017 Disability and Pain Rehabilitation

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Mr Matthew Forster Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
The interface between pain assessment and treatment and the system of compensation for workplace-related injury and disability is the focus of this subject. Accordingly the role of pain management in rehabilitation following occupational injury or illness is addressed, together with the medical, legal, insurer, employer, trade union and rehabilitation provider perspectives and roles in providing protection, advocacy, compensation and treatment. Legislative and attitudinal changes in the social environment relating to occupational injury and treatment are considered together with challenges for pain management arising from dysfunction in the system of rehabilitation following injury.
PAIN5018 Pain in Children

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Karin Plummer Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit provides an opportunity for students to understand the developmental physiology and psychology of infants and children, together with the pharmacology (particularly with reference to dose and route of administration) of pain management in children. Particular attention is given to management of acute pain in children, both post-operative and procedure-related pain, to methods of pain assessment in children of various ages, to non-pharmacological pain management strategies and to chronic pain presentations in children.
PAIN5019 Pain in Older People

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Brad Wood, Dr Sarah Overton Session: Semester 2 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
Readings and case studies will highlight the unique difficulties of elderly people who suffer from degenerative, painful conditions, often exacerbated by multiple losses, role changes, limited mobility and mood disorder. The emphasis will be on assessment and management of pain when complicated by these conditions.
PAIN5020 Complementary Therapies: Pain Management

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Russell Vickers Session: Semester 1 Classes: Online, approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit explores complementary therapies that may accompany conventional medical approaches in the management of pain. The evidence base is discussed, as well as the implications, costs and side effects of these therapies. The historical basis of each therapy is considered, together with current knowledge about their application and potential interactions with conventional medicines and treatments. Topics include: acupuncture, herbalism, homeopathy, hypnosis and relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation, osteopathy and chiropractic.
PAIN5021 Acute Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Philip Corke Session: Semester 1 Classes: Approximately 10 hours of study per week (equals 140 hours in total) Assessment: Participation in online discussion (25%), 4000-5000 written assignment/s or equivalent (75%) Mode of delivery: Online
The aims of this unit are to provide a theoretical framework for the management of acute pain, to examine the specific contributors that are important in the development of acute pain conditions and to examine pharmacological and other approaches used in the management of acute pain. Topics that will be covered will include the principles of pre-emptive analgesia and evidence of effectiveness in preventing pain, pharmacological management of acute pain including approaches such as patient controlled analgesia, adjunctive approaches in managing acute pain and the transition from acute to chronic pain.
PAIN5022 Independent Studies in Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Dr Duncan Sanders and Dr Elizabeth Devonshire Session: Semester 2 Classes: supervision meetings x 3 (online, phone and/or face-to-face) Prerequisites: Credit Average Assessment: Learning contract (10%), Investigative project 5000-6000 words or equivalent (90%) Mode of delivery: Online
Note: Department permission required for enrolment
Note: In order to enrol in the unit students need to have achieved a credit average and be able to demonstrate their capacity to manage an independent study project via the submission of a short statement outlining the investigative focus, the project objectives and an appropriate supervisor for the project.
In this unit of study students undertake independent study in pain management. The student identifies a suitable investigative project in an area of interest or an identified need/issue (clinical, scientific, educational, managerial or administrative) not covered in other pain units within the degree. A learning contract is used to support the investigative process (document objectives, learning strategies and outcomes).
PAIN5023 Advanced Studies in Orofacial Pain

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Christopher Peck and Professor Greg Murray Session: Semester 1 Classes: online modules of study, completion of set readings, participation in structured online discussion task and self directed study Prerequisites: PAIN5005 Assessment: Participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
Orofacial pain can be severely disabling and has unique aspects because of the importance of the orofacial region for communication, emotional expression and mastication. The purpose of this unit is to expand on Pain5005 Orofacial Pain by providing an in depth understanding of orofacial pain mechanisms, symptomatology and management. Topics include orofacial pain classification and diagnosis and management strategies based on the biopsychosocial model of pain.
PAIN5024 Headache

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: TBC Session: Semester 2 Classes: online modules of study, completion of set readings, participation in structured online discussion task and self directed study Assessment: Participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
Headaches are a common complaint in the general population, and are either classified as a primary or secondary headache disorder. This unit explores the best clinical practice in understanding and treating headache disorders.
PAIN5025 Orofacial Pain in Practice

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Gregory Murray and Professor Christopher Peck Session: Semester 2 Classes: online modules of study, completion of set readings, participation in structured online discussion task and self directed study Prerequisites: PAIN5005 Corequisites: PAIN5023, PAIN5024 and SLEE5001 Assessment: Participation in online discussion (20%), 4000-5000 word written assignment/s or equivalent (80%) Mode of delivery: Online
This is the capstone unit and it aims to translate orofacial pain theory into clinical practice. Clinical learning experiences/activities provide students the opportunity to synthesis and integrate their learning. The practical application of the knowledge gained from previous units allows students the opportunity to draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.
SLEE5101 Introduction to Sleep Medicine

Credit points: 6 Teacher/Coordinator: Professor Colin Sullivan Session: Semester 1,Semester 2 Classes: Online lectures and self-directed online learning activities Assessment: 3 x EMQ and extended response quizzes (3x10%) 1 x 1500 word written assignment (30%) and 1 x online exam (40%) Mode of delivery: Online
This unit of study aims to develop an understanding of normal human sleep across the lifecycle and introduces common sleep breathing disorders and analysis of sleep recordings. Normal sleep and respiratory physiology will be discussed, as well as the methods used for measurement. This will be followed by an overview of obstructive and central sleep apnoea, and its causes. Current scoring guidelines for sleep stage scoring and respiratory event scoring will be explored and their practical application will be demonstrated using short examples of sleep studies. Learning will include regular short answer quizzes, as well as broader written assessments.
Textbooks
Recommended: Principles and Practice of Sleep Medicine, 6th Ed.