Holistic Pain Management

Key information

Start date:
28 April 2026
Attendance dates:

28, 29 April 2026

11, 12, 18, 19 May 2026

Venue:
Kate Granger Building, 30 Priestley Road, Surrey Research Park, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7YH

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH
Contact details:

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  • Level
    7 (postgraduate)
  • Credits
    15
  • Module code
    NURM201

Module aims

This module is aimed at health care professionals who work with patients who are in pain. You will be introduced to theories of pain and evaluate pain assessment tools taking a holistic approach. You 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. You will be encouraged to critically evaluate your clinical skills and to use evidence-based methods to develop practice.  

This is a great module for those who are looking to study a subject closely relevant to their clinical practice. We invite a range of external experts who contribute from a broad range of clinical backgrounds to enhance the teaching. The module develops confidence in clinical assessment and care management of people in pain.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • Critically analyse and evaluate pain mechanisms considering a holistic approach.
  • Critically compare pain assessment tools and their application in practice.
  • Recommend pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to pain management.
  • Critically reflect on their skills in pain management using a holistic approach.
  • Evaluate service level provision and make recommendations for practice.

Course content

Indicative module content includes:

  • 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.

Learning and teaching methods

Learning and teaching methods include:

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

Assessment

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.
  • Analysis of theories of pain mechanisms as they relate to the person in pain.
  • Critical reflection of the pain assessment tools and their application in practice based on a holistic approach.
  • Critical discussion of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods used to manage pain symptoms based on current evidence-based research.
  • Reasoned suggestions for service improvements to improve pain management.
  • Appraisal and application of relevant concepts from literature and research.

Course leader

Samantha Wakefield profile image

Samantha Wakefield

Lecturer in Community Nursing

Entry requirements

  • Ability to study at level 7
  • Working in health and social care

Fees and funding

£1,019

How to apply

Please download and fill in an application form. 

Please note: 

  1. Applications typically close six weeks before the module start date and may close earlier if we reach a maximum number of applications. If we still have spaces on the course, we may extend the application deadline date.
  2. It is important to ensure that you complete all sections and answer all questions, incomplete forms will cause a delay and may result in you missing out on an available place.
  3. If you are registered on a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course then you will need to complete an application form for each CPD module you wish to apply for.

Send your completed application to postreg_admin@surrey.ac.uk.

Terms and conditions

When you accept an offer of a place at the University of Surrey, you are agreeing to comply with our policies and regulations and our terms and conditions. You are also confirming you have read and understood the University's prospective student privacy notice.

If your sponsoring healthcare provider is funding you for this module, by submitting an application you agree to allow all information regarding your module (for example your exam results) to be shared with the sponsoring provider.

Cancellation policy

If you withdraw less than seven days before the module commences or do not attend on the first day (without informing the module administrator) the full cost of the module will be charged. Withdrawals after the module commences will also be charged.

Module availability

Places are confirmed approximately one month before the module start date. Please note that modules may be subject to teaching availability, student demand and/or class size caps. 

Disclaimer

Modules listed are indicative, reflecting the information available at the time of publication. The University of Surrey has used its reasonable efforts to ensure that the information is accurate at the time of publishing, but changes (for example to module content) may occur given the interval between publishing and commencement of the module. It is therefore very important to check this website for any updates before you apply for a module with us. Read the full disclaimer.

Course location and contact details

Campus location

Kate Granger Building

Our Medicine (Graduate Entry) BMBS degree, nursing and midwifery, and health science courses are taught at the Kate Granger Building (30 Priestley Road), on the Surrey Research Park.

Additional information

Depending on the subject and content, modules will mainly be delivered via a combination of face-to-face and online.

Some modules may be taught at: Stag Hill campus, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH.

Address

University of Surrey
Guildford
Surrey GU2 7XH