Pain Management MSc
Having specialist knowledge in Pain Management is an increasingly important asset and extra responsibility of healthcare professionals. It is a broad and complex area of medicine and as such this MSc course has a unique focus on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches to pain management and service provision.
This MSc in Pain Management course covers the wide range of the conditions pertinent to pain management and meets the educational needs of both primary and secondary healthcare professionals. This very practical pain management online course focuses on direct application to current topics, case studies and processes relevant to the student’s own remit and country of practice.
Next intake: 2022 MarchKey Facts
There are a large number and range of conditions associated with pain and pain management (both acute and chronic). Due to advancing technology and understanding of physical illness, life expectancy is increasing every year. With that there is also an increase in the number of patients presenting with debilitating pain-centred conditions.
The MSc in pain management aims to create professionals who can independently access information and use the information to critically assess, evaluate and disseminate the evidence base related to pain management. The course will enable more healthcare professionals to have the required knowledge to treat patients. It will develop problem-solving and clinical skills together with preparing students to take a leadership role in pain management.
On completion of the Pain Management MSc, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate a systematic understanding of the care of patients in pain management.
- Critically evaluate current research in interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary pain management.
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of self-care promotion for acute and chronic pain.
- Deliver management strategies for the investigation and treatment of patients with pain conditions.
- Extend the knowledge of research methods and application to practice at an MSc level.
- Demonstrate an ability to use knowledge to adapt professional practice to meet the changing demands of healthcare systems.
University of South Wales
The University of South Wales (USW) is a modern, industry focused University located in Cardiff, Newport and Pontypridd in South Wales, UK. It was rated best in the UK for the Health Professions in the Guardian University Guide 2020 and, in the latest Complete University Guide 2022, is in the top 10 in the UK for Health Studies. USW is one of Britain’s largest and most exciting new universities attracting a cosmopolitan mix of students from across the globe.
Faculty
Programme Leader
Dr. Tzvetanka Ivanova-Stoilova, MD PhD FRCA FFPMRCA
Current post: Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- 40 years of experience in the field of Pain Management...
Next intake: 2022 March Key Facts
Programme Leader
Dr. Tzvetanka Ivanova-Stoilova, MD PhD FRCA FFPMRCA
Current post: Consultant in Anaesthesia and Pain Medicine, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board
- 40 years of experience in the field of Pain Management
- Director of Pain Clinic/Consultant Anaesthetist
- ABUHB lead for Interventional Pain Procedures
- Fellow of the Faculty of Pain Medicine to the Royal College of Anesthetists
- Clinical Teacher with Cardiff Medical School
- Author of more than 60 peer-reviewed publications
I have always been involved in the teaching of pain medicine to anaesthetic trainees from the Welsh School of Anaesthesia. I am a lifelong learner and I truly believe that medical professionals should work together and learn from each other for the best outcome for our patients.
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Why Study with Learna
We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
Value for money
Distance learning allows us to work with the worldwide industry-leading professionals.
Get a PgDip from £3,900 or an MSc from £7,500 - the most affordable courses of their kind in the UK.
Pay in instalments.
Boost your career
Get a postgraduate qualification in just 1 calendar year instead of 2 academic years.
40% of our alumni reported an increase in salary 2 years after studying with us.
Learning environment
Learn online. No fixed study times mean you can log in and learn whenever and wherever.
Multidisciplinary - study in a group of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals.
15:1 student tutor ratio. We have a 92% student satisfaction rate.
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for for Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health Professionals, Practice Nurses and those with related undergraduate degrees (such as Clinical Nurse Specialists, Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, Osteopaths, Dentists, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Podiatrists and Rehabilitation Specialists) or equivalent professional qualifications and background experience who wish to gain specialist knowledge in the field of Pain Management.
How Will I Learn?
You will be supported throughout your studies by a committed team of internationally recognised educational experts.
Our courses are conducted entirely online through self-directed distance learning. You’ll receive guidance throughout your course with tutor-stimulated academic discussions, which are based on clinically-rich case scenarios.
These usually occur within groups of 10-20 students, allowing you to clearly communicate with both your tutor and fellow students.
Curriculum
The Pain Management MSc is a two year course, consisting of eight modules (180 credits) with the first 120 credits deriving from the Postgraduate Diploma. The second year of the Pain Management Masters course starts with an initial 10 week online module that will develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. Students then complete the professional project module, which consists of a 1,500 word proposal and 10,500 word professional project (dissertation).Year 1
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
- Application of the biopsychosocial model to the varied presentations of pain
- 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
- Critically discriminate between different types of pain
- 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
- Critically analyse the assessment and treatment of patients with different pain presentations.
- 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
- Critically analyse current evidence related to multi-disciplinary approach of treating different types of pain
- 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
- Demonstrate ability to manage pain in a variety of complex situations and /or populations
- 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
- Critically analyse the benefits of inter and multidisciplinary pain management in a clinical setting and the consequences within healthcare schemes
- Demonstrate expertise in organising approaches to pain management
Year 2
The module runs over a 12 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies used in pain management. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the professional project module.
You will be required to produce a piece of work based upon a clinically-related project that is relevant to your practice. Once you have selected a specific project, you will submit a project summary/proposal of approximately 1,500 words. Following the approval of your proposal you will then complete a 10,500 word professional project.
To produce the professional project you will continue to study online. Much of the work is self-directed, however you will receive guidance from your tutor throughout the module.
Assessment Methods
The Pain Management online course places assessments at the heart of the learning process through the employment of real life scenarios to enhance problem-solving, critical analysis and evidence-based practice. Since the scenarios act as a focus for learning and assessment, the two are intrinsically linked.
The six modules on the course have the same assessment format and for all modules, you will be assigned a dedicated expert tutor. Your tutor will then facilitate case discussions with the group, whilst monitoring, assessing and marking your work throughout. You will also participate in a combination of module activities that may be group and/or individual based, dependent on the module.
These innovative teaching methods enable you to envisage the translation of your studies into your every day work and practice. Due to the online nature of the course, you will be expected to regularly login and participate in the course - ideally on a daily basis. Students are recommended to spend around two hours per day on their studies. Our dedicated Student Support Team are also available to help with any problems you may face. From navigating our online platform to advising you on deadlines, our team can assist with any questions or challenges you may have along the way.
Year 1
- Every week students are presented with two/three clinical case-based scenarios that are reflective of every day clinical practice and research.
- Your tutor will post a number of questions and prompts to aid students in a formal discussion of each case.
- These discussions are facilitated throughout by your tutor and are then assessed at the end of every module.
For this assessment, students will work on a group assignment and/or an individual assignment.
- Group assignments are designed to hone skills in the multidisciplinary, holistic approach to modern treatments and patient management by requiring group participation in a single piece of work.
- Individual assignments are designed to hone skills in academic career progression through such tasks as reviewing papers, developing scientific posters or abstracts, peer-reviewing, social media activities, patient information leaflets, and essays.
The reflective journal is used by students throughout each module to monitor personal progress. This is guided by weekly feedback from your tutor and is graded at the end of every module. The journal typically includes the following:
- Initial expectations and reasons for taking the course.
- Module and/or personal learning objectives.
- Description of events, issues and learning points within current personal practice.
- Change in every day practice due to knowledge gained on each module.
- A description of what has been learned during the module.
- Students are provided with case-based problems in the form of a one-hour timed examination.
- The exam consists of 30 'Single Best Answer' questions.
- Students are required to complete the exam online within the set time.
Year 2
This module runs over a 8 week period and is designed to develop skills in critical appraisal and knowledge of research methodologies. The module consists of mandatory formative assessment activities to support your learning and development prior to the Professional Project module.
Students will work with their supervisor to submit a professional project proposal for their chosen topic.
Students will deliver an abstract (1000 words) outlining their proposal and, if deemed necessary, develop and submit documentation for the University’s ethical committee approval.
- Students will create a dissertation, the theme of which has been developed in discussion with their tutor.
- Supervision will normally involve direct online support involving planned progress, supporting research activity and reading student work.
- Supervisors and students will agree on a communications plan, which may involve emails or online chats. Some students may employ the use of freely available chat or audio conferencing facilities for live discussion with supervisors.
- Students will have access to online forums where they can develop their research capabilities together.
- All communications with tutors will be logged on the Professional Project forum by the student, and consists of brief summaries of discussion.
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements
Since our courses are conducted entirely online, they are accessible to both UK and international registered healthcare professionals.
Applicants will typically hold a first degree or equivalent (including international qualifications) in a relevant professional healthcare or management field.
Registered healthcare professionals or experienced managers working in the healthcare field, without these recognised qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and a wide range of prior experience may be taken into account. In some cases, applicants may be asked to submit a piece of work for assessment in order to confirm that they are able to work comfortably at postgraduate level, and demonstrate the requisite clinical and professional knowledge.
Documents Required
- A copy of your updated CV including your address and date of birth.
- A copy of your undergraduate degree certificate.
- The name and email address of someone who is able to provide a reference, this can be a work colleague, employer or former tutor.
- A detailed personal statement explaining why you would like to undertake the course.
- A copy of your proof of English competency (see below).
English Language Requirements
Proficiency in the English language is also essential to completing our courses. If English is NOT your first language, we ask for proof of competency during the application process. We are able to accept an IELTS overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 for each band) or an equivalent qualification.
If you do not meet these requirements, please don’t worry. The University of South Wales run a number of English Language Programmes at the Centre for International English to prepare you for your academic studies. You can also contact our admissions team on [email protected] for more information on the qualifications we accept.
Course Fees
Fee payments may be made via the following options:
| Date | Instalments | Up-Front Payments |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit payable on acceptance† | £650 | £650 |
| 1st May 2022 | £650 | £7,150 |
| 1st July 2022 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2022 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2022 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st March 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st May 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st July 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st September 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st November 2023 | £650 | |
| 1st January 2024 | £650 |
† Deposits are non-refundable
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We have over 10 years’ experience delivering online courses, giving you access to flexible, affordable distance learning in partnership with world-leading educators.
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