QME Evaluation of the Chronic Pain Patient
Evaluating and working with a chronic pain patient requires a special skill set for the pain management clinician or evaluator. One of the most important issues is to have a good understanding of current pain theories and the nature of the chronic pain syndrome since this forms the rationale upon which interventions are justified to the patient. The first section of this course will provide an overview of a definition of pain, different classification systems for pain, as well as outdated and current theories of pain. In addition, the section will discuss various factors that can influence a patient’s perception of pain and overall level of suffering. The multi-factorial influences on pain will be reviewed including tissue input (nociception), pain sensation, thoughts, emotions, pain behaviors and the psychosocial environment. Factors impacting the transition from acute to chronic pain will be discussed. Having an understanding of these concepts is critical for the QME.
Learning Objectives
After taking this course, the health care professional will be able to:
- Discuss current theories of pain including the gate control theory
- Explain the difference between pain and suffering
- List the targets of assessment in chronic pain
- Summarize the difference between addiction, dependence and tolerance
- List the phases of Spinal Cord Stimulation