Module 1: Professional Accountability and Prescribing

Lesson 4

Learning activity and reflection

Recall from your practice a patient who is suffering with chronic pain.  If you cannot recall a memorable patient, chose a chronic pain syndrome of interest such as:

• Post-herpetic neuralgia
• Temporomandibular joint disorder
• Spinal stenosis
• Peripheral neuralgia
• Fibromyalgia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Migraine headaches

Think about this patient or pain syndrome as you answer the following questions.

• What national resources are available?
• Are there any resources and standards for care available in my own jurisdiction?
• What non-pharmacological resources are available?
• What resources would you recommend to patients presenting with chronic pain in your nursing practice?