HOLISTIC PAIN MANAGEMENT - 2025/6

Module Overview

This module is aimed at health care practitioners who work with patients who are in pain. Students will be introduced to theories of pain and evaluate pain assessment tools taking a holistic approach. They will develop knowledge of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management. These will be set in the context of current national and international issues in pain management. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate their clinical skills and to use evidence-based methods to develop practice.

Module provider

School of Health Sciences

Module Leader

WAKEFIELD Samantha (Health Sci.)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 6

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

N/A

Module content

Pain mechanisms- theories of pain, definitions, taxonomy, chronic v acute, nociceptive/ neuropathic, bio psychosocial factors. 

Principles of pain assessment- tools, barriers, bio psychosocial factors, global and cultural factors.  

Multi-disciplinary approaches to treatment- pharma/ nonpharmacological treatments. Surgical pain. Service provision and organisation. Psychological care- for patients and carers. 

Pain in specialist populations- for example: dementia/ children/ learning disability/ pregnancy/ substance misuse/ mental health

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to:

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate evidence-based pain management using a case study approach.

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:

 A digital academic poster supported by a verbal presentation evaluating the management of the care of a person in pain.

The poster will include:

• Summary of the scenario based on a person from their area of practice.


• Demonstrate an understanding of  the theories of pain mechanisms as they relate to the person in pain.


• Reflection of the pain assessment tools and their application in practice based on a holistic approach.


• Discussion of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods used to manage pain symptoms based on current evidence-based research.


• Evaluation of service level provision and understand the impact on patient outcomes


• Demonstrate an awareness of the application of relevant concepts from literature and research in practice.

Students will upload their academic poster and a 15-minute audio presentation using their own voice which critically addresses the key issues. This will be uploaded to SurreyLearn with a reference list to support their work.

In line with the Professional and Regulatory body, Codes of Practice/Standards of Proficiency, if there is evidence of unsafe practice or any breach of confidentiality, the assessment will not meet the criteria to achieve a pass. 

Formative assessment:

Classroom presentation of case study will provide an opportunity to reflect on evidence-based knowledge gained during the module and its application in practice. This will also help the student in preparation for their summative assessment.

This will provide an opportunity for peer feedback to support interdisciplinary learning.

Tutorials will be provided to support academic writing and presentation skills

 Feedback:

This will be given through verbal feedback during the formative workshop. 

Tutorial support will be available for students throughout the module. 

Module aims

• For students to evaluate evidence-based knowledge relating to pain theories and management.
• For students to reflect on their pain assessment skills and implement effective strategies to reduce and manage patients' pain using a comprehensive and integrated approach.
• For students to make recommendations for practice developments to improve pain management.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: Equip the students with knowledge and to develop an enquiring mind in relation to theories of pain mechanisms and consideration of holistic factors.

Enable students to develop a holistic approach to pain assessment and management as applied within their specific area of practice.

Empower the students to have confidence that they can influence practice.

The learning and teaching methods include:

Lectures and discussion Simulated learning opportunities in pain assessment. Case study and presentations. Hybrid online learning; synchronous and asynchronous. Independent study

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: NUR3354

Other information

The School of Health Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

 Digital capabilities: using hybrid learning, group presentations online and asynchronous learning opportunities. The assessment will provide opportunity for development of PowerPoint and presentation skills 
 Employability: through the application of theory to practice throughout the module and the case study which allows reflection in practice. 
 Global and cultural capabilities: through the consideration of diverse perspectives in pain assessment and management. 
 Resourcefulness and Resilience: through a holistic approach to pain management and consideration of psychological needs of carers. 
 Sustainability: through identification of global issues such as opioid use and service level provision such as resource management. 
 

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.