Unit Outline

This unit will enhance your understanding of the classification and pathophysiology of pain and equip you with the skills to accurately and comprehensively assess pain across the lifespan and within a range of healthcare contexts. You will explore pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and factors impacting the individual pain experience, critically reflecting on current pain management strategies.

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	Analyse and differentiate between different types of pain based on their unique pathophysiological mechanisms.
2	Critically evaluate the bio-psychosocial impact of pain on individuals, their families and support networks, integrating a person-centred approach.
3	Apply evidence-informed pain assessment tools and communication techniques to ensure accurate and comprehensive evaluation of pain.
4	Critically examine multimodal pain management strategies to optimise quality of life and health outcomes.
5	Critically reflect on current pain management practices within clinical settings, considering ethical decision-making, cultural safety and collaborative interdisciplinary care.

Alterations as a result of student feedback

There are no alterations as a result of student feedback.

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:	Interactive assessment	Week 4	15 %	LO3, LO4, LO5
Assessment Task 2:	Interactive oral presentation	Week 8	40 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO5
Assessment Task 3:	Case Study	Week 13	45 %	LO1, LO2, LO3, LO4, LO5

Assessment details

Assessment Task 1: Interactive assessment

Task Description:

In this assessment task, you will communicate with a virtual patient requiring a comprehensive pain assessment.

Task Length:

GenAI transcript + 500 words

Due Date:

Week 4

Weight:

15 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Use critical thinking to undertake a pain assessment with a virtual patient.	LO3
2	Critically reflect on pain assessment practices, focusing on ethical and professional considerations.	LO4, LO5

Assessment Task 2: Interactive oral presentation

Task Description:

In this interactive presentation, you will describe and critically analyse a person-centred comprehensive pain assessment.

Task Length:

10 minute presentation equivalent to 1500 words

Due Date:

Week 8

Weight:

40 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Present a person-centred pain assessment.	LO2, LO3
2	Provide an evidence-informed justification for the approach to pain assessment.	LO3
3	Analyse the type of pain and the underlying pathophysiology.	LO1
4	Critically analyse pain assessment practices, focusing on ethical, professional and cultural considerations.	LO2, LO5

Assessment Task 3: Case Study

Task Description:

This assessment task requires you to critically examine pain management strategies in the context of a case study.

Task Length:

2000 words

Due Date:

Week 13

Weight:

45 %

CRITERION #

CRITERION

MEASURES INTENDED

LEARNING OUTCOME(S)


1	Analyse the pain based on presenting signs and symptoms, describing the underlying pathophysiology.	LO1, LO3
2	Critically evaluate the bio-psychosocial impact of chronic pain	LO2
3	Critically examine person-centred, evidence-informed multimodal pain management strategies, incorporating an interdisciplinary approach.	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.

Academic progress review

The results for this unit may be included in a review of your academic progress. For information about progress reviews and what they mean for all students, see Academic Progress Review in the Student Portal.

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.