Overview
About this course
Pain is a common medical issue that is often treated inadequately. When poorly managed, it can negatively impact
function and mental health, leading to decreased quality of life. To effectively manage pain, knowledge of its
different types and the pain-processing pathways is essential. Paracetamol, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAIDs), and opioids are among the several available medications for addressing pain.
This e-learning module
presents a brief discussion on the definition, assessment, and management of pain, in conjunction with the
considerations for administering paracetamol, NSAIDs, and opioids in special populations.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this educational activity, learners should be able to:
- Define pain
- Differentiate the various types of pain
- Familiarize themselves with the anatomic pain pathways
- Understand mechanisms by which various drug classes act across the pain pathway
- Understand the approach to pain pharmacotherapy at the primary care level
- Outline important considerations for pharmacotherapy in special populations
Topics covered
- Introduction to Pain
- Types of Pain
- Anatomic Pain Pathways
- Management of Pain
- Considerations for Pain Pharmacotherapy in Special Populations