Unit Outline

This unit will enhance students' understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of pain and equip them with the skills to accurately assess acute, chronic and cancer pain. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions will be explored as part of the development of pain management interactions between clinicians and patients. With knowledge obtained through participation in this unit, students will be better equipped to manage pain experienced by their patients and advocate for them.

Intended Learning Outcomes

As per the Assessment and Results Policy 1.3, your results will reflect your achievement against specified learning outcomes.

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:


1	Differentiate between different types of pain acute, chronic (non-malignant) and cancer.
2	Describe the pathophysiological aspects and bio-psychosocial impact of pain.
3	Demonstrate an understanding of the need for accurate and regular pain assessment.
4	Demonstrate an awareness of pain management strategies including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods.
5	Reflect critically on the way pain is managed within the clinical environment in which you work.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

Regular monitoring and review have been undertaken.

How will I be Assessed?

For more detailed assessment information please see MyLO.

Assessment schedule


ASSESSMENT TASK #	ASSESSMENT TASK NAME	DATE DUE	WEIGHT	LINKS TO INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assessment Task 1:	PowerPoint, Online Discussion and Summary Paper	Week 5	35 %	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Case Study	Week 10	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Quiz	Week 13	20 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: PowerPoint, Online Discussion and Summary Paper

Task Description:

For this assessment, you should choose a current evidenced-based pain management strategy. Summarise the key concepts of the pain management approach in a poster. Your poster should be entered into the discussion board. The aim of the poster is to clearly inform your fellow students about the key benefits, limitations and the importance or application of the management strategy for clinical practice. You are also to engage with other students and provide comments and feedback regarding their posters.
At the close of the discussion board, you are to summarise your chosen topic into a summary paper.

Task Length:

Equivalent to 1400 words.

Due Date:

Week 5

Weight:

35 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyses and summarises appropriate pain management strategy, with key themes clearly identified, into a poster.	LO1, LO4
2	Demonstrates critical analysis of chosen peers’ posters through timely and appropriate academic discussion posts.	LO1, LO3, LO4
3	Demonstrates extensive research and analysis of the chosen topic, with analysis of peer comments.	LO4, LO5
4	Writes clearly in an appropriate academic style/structure for the summary. Refers to the academic literature and accurately uses APA referencing style.	LO1, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 2: Case Study

Task Description:

Select a patient that you have recently cared for in your clinical setting where one of the key nursing interventions undertaken by you was the assessment and management of the patient’s pain.
Your case study will focus on three areas:
1. Describe (broadly) the pathophysiology of pain before specifically discussing the pathology as relative to your case study; the patient you select may be experiencing acute, chronic (non-malignant) or cancer pain.
2. Discuss the bio-psychological and social impact of pain on your patient’s life/health and the importance of pain assessment and management. Identify the patient’s main problems relating to their pain and how this impacts their life (psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, physical, functional, and economic as applicable).
3. Discuss the nursing assessment of pain and the subsequent care provided and interpret clinical pain-assessment findings (related back to case study). Review the pain management strategies in place for your case study, including both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions (if applicable) and consider evidenced-based recommendations for changing practice/care.
This paper will be in essay format. You may use headings if you wish. Use scholarly references to support all areas of your discussion.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 10

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Interprets normal pain pathophysiology (generally and specifically as applicable to the case study). Analyses clinical information pertinent to the case study/patient, relating this to the literature.	LO1, LO3
2	Incorporates psychological, social, cultural, spiritual, ethical and legal aspects of pain management (as appropriate).	LO2, LO3, LO5
3	Critically analyses any pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions relevant to the case.	LO3, LO4, LO5
4	Writes clearly in an appropriate academic style/structure. Refers to the academic literature throughout work and accurately uses APA referencing style.	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Quiz

Task Description:

An uninterrupted period of 60 minutes is required to complete the quiz.
• 60 minutes after commencing the quiz, access will cease – irrespective of whether or not the quiz has been completed.
• Only one attempt at the quiz will be allowed. Quiz content may cover any aspect of the assessment or management of acute/chronic/malignant pain which has been covered by the required journal article readings throughout the semester.

Task Length:

60 minutes

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

20 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Multiple choice questions	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

How your final result is determined

To pass this unit, you need to demonstrate your attainment of each of the Intended Learning Outcomes and achieve a final unit grade of 50% or greater.

Submission of assignments

Where practicable, assignments should be submitted to an assignment submission folder in MYLO. You must submit assignments by the due date or receive a penalty (unless an extension of time has been approved by the Unit Coordinator). Students submitting any assignment in hard copy, or because of a practicum finalisation, must attach a student cover sheet and signed declaration for the submission to be accepted for marking.

Academic integrity

Academic integrity is about acting responsibly, honestly, ethically, and collegially when using, producing, and communicating information with other students and staff members.

In written work, you must correctly reference the work of others to maintain academic integrity. To find out the referencing style for this unit, see the assessment information in the MyLO site, or contact your teaching staff. For more detail about Academic Integrity, see Important Guidelines & Support.

Requests for extensions

If you are unable to submit an assessment task by the due date, you should apply for an extension.

A request for an extension should first be discussed with your Unit Coordinator or teaching support team where possible. A request for an extension must be submitted by the assessment due date, except where you can provide evidence it was not possible to do so. Typically, an application for an extension will be supported by documentary evidence: however, where it is not possible for you to provide evidence please contact your Unit Coordinator.

The Unit Coordinator must notify you of the outcome of an extension request within 3 working days of receiving the request.

Late penalties

Assignments submitted after the deadline will receive a late penalty of 5% of the original available mark for each calendar day (or part day) that the assignment is late. Late submissions will not be accepted more than 10 calendar days after the due date, or after assignments have been returned to other students on a scheduled date, whichever occurs first. Further information on Late Penalties can be found on the Assessments and Results Procedure.

Review of results and appeals

You are entitled to ask for a review of the marking and grading of your assessment task if there is an irregularity in the marking standards or an error in the process for determining the outcome of an assessment. Details on how to request a review of a mark for an assignment are outlined in the Review and Appeal of Academic Decisions Procedure.