Chronic pain

About this course

Released March 2022

Description

These three modules aim to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners' knowledge about chronic pain and how to pass that knowledge on to community members.

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module you should be able to:

Module 1 – Recognising chronic pain

  • Describe the different types of pain including acute and chronic pain.
  • Explain chronic pain in terms that community members will understand.
  • Acknowledge cultural experiences of pain within the social and emotional wellbeing model.

Module 2 – How to help chronic pain

  • List non-medicine treatments for managing chronic pain.
  • Apply different ways to talk with and support people who are experiencing chronic pain.
  • Identify local allied health services qualified to support chronic pain management.

Module 3 – Medicines and chronic pain

  • Recognise common medicines used for acute and chronic pain, how they work and the risks of overuse.
  • Discuss in simple terms why opioids are sometimes used for a short period to manage chronic pain.
  • Explain opioid side effects and risks, tolerance and withdrawal.
  • Describe why opioids are only used in the short term, and their need to be tapered gradually and stopped.
  • Describe where to find further information about medicines.

Endorsed by NAATSIWHP for 4 CPD hours

CPD accreditation

The National Association of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners has endorsed the activity with 3 CPD hours.

Endorsement period: 16/03/2023 - 20/03/2025.