Course content

Students will acquire basic knowledge of the principles of knowledge-based medicine and practice in pain and fatigue. They will acquire a theoretical knowledge of these fields and the course will focus on ethics, mapping, examination, diagnostics, treatment, follow-up and rehabilitation as well as clinical issues related to this. The teaching is to some extent problem-based and the focus is consistently on issues relevant to clinical practice. Basic pain physiology as well as psychological, functional and social factors associated with various courses of pain and states of fatigue are emphasized. Students gain knowledge on communication and coping strategies where there are long-term symptoms and major life changes associated with complex symptom disorders. The course will provide insight into organizational matters as well as in-depth knowledge of interaction across professions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the candidate should:

• have a broad overview of pathophysiological conditions and other mechanisms that affect pain and maintain pain and fatigue conditions over time
• have a thorough understanding of principles of knowledge-based practice in pain and fatigue
• have in-depth knowledge of the organization of health services for patients with pain and fatigue

Skills:

After completing the course, the candidate should be able to:

• explain basic pain physiology in non-malignant diseases
• describe various non-malignant disease states relevant to pain
• explain psychological, functional and social factors associated with various pain and fatigue
• explain the use of survey / diagnostic tools, observation and evaluation of patients with various pain and fatigue conditions
• explain treatment and follow-up for various pain conditions and long-term fatigue
• explain the assumptions and rules for good communication with patients and relatives, and the importance of interdisciplinary interaction for patients with complex problems
• describe principles for coping-oriented measures and other treatment of various complex symptoms

General competence:

After completing the course, the candidate can:

• explain basic understanding of principles of knowledge-based practice in pain and fatigue

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and group work. All lectures will be given during a few weeks. If few students register for the course, learning activities can be changed.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment

Specific conditions

Required previous knowledge

The course is primarily intended for students admitted to the master's programme in Clinical Health Science (ntnu.no/studier/mklihel). Other students may be accepted after an individual evaluation.

Course materials

Course materials will be announced two weeks ahead of the course start

Credit reductions