Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Making decisions about patients' pain and its management is a key component of nursing practice across a wide variety of patient groups and clinical settings. This unit examines the concept of pain and explores aspects of the nurse's role in relation to pain relief. It builds on introductory concepts that have been addressed earlier in the program through more detailed exploration of, and reflection upon selected concepts.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide you with more detailed knowledge and understanding of pain and pain management for individuals and groups.

Objectives

On completion of this unit it is expected that you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts and principles of pain assessment and pain management;



2. Apply concepts and principles of pain assessment/pain management to the analysis of practice issues;



3. Present a set of evidence-based arguments to support your analysis and evaluation of nursing practice issues regarding pain assessment/pain management; and



4. Reflect critically on your learning in this unit.

Content

This unit provides an overview of pain and pain management as an extension of concepts covered in core units of the course. Topics addressed include theoretical perspectives of pain; factors that influence pain perception and expression; acute, chronic and cancer pain and relationship to nursing practice; analysis of frameworks and tools for pain assessment; reflection on nurses' assessment and documentation of pain; pharmacological/non-pharmacological interventions for pain relief and nursing practice; pain and pain management across the lifespan, and collaborating with multidisciplinary pain management teams.

QUT Graduate Capabilities
Discipline knowledge and skills
Critical thinking
Effective communication
Lifelong learning

ANMC Competencies (2006)
Professional and Ethical Practice
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Management of Care
Enabling

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

This unit will involve you working systematically through a series of self-directed learning activities that are set out in the study guide. You will have access to staff who will be available in person (during consultation times) and by email.

Assessment

This unit has three assessments to be completed as you progress through the semester. The details of these are set out below.Your unit co-ordinator will be available in person (at specified times) and/or via email to answer questions from students. You will also be able to submit your responses to the self-directed learning activities for feedback. This will be optional, and will not contribute to the final grade that you receive.

Assessment name: Argumentative Essay (1)
Description: This task requires you to write a short essay of 1000 words (max.) on a given topic relating to pain and pain management.
Relates to objectives: 1 & 2.
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Argumentative Essay (2)
Description: This task requires you to write an essay of 1500 words (max.) on a topic of your choice in relation to pain management within the context of nursing practice. In preparing this assignment you will need to undertake a detailed review of relevant literature and develop sound arguments based on a synthesis of knowledge and ideas from a range of sources.
Relates to objectives: 1, 2 & 3.
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Assessment name: Reflective Log
Description: This task requires you to write four critical reflections of no more than 200 words each on the pre-set readings and/or learning activities contained within the study guide for the unit.
Relates to objectives: 4.
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: External
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: TBA

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

There is no set text for this unit, however the following text is highly recommended:
Mac Lellan, K. (2006). Management of pain. Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 03-Jan-2013