Preventing Chronic Pain: A Human Systems Approach (Coursera)

The goal of this course is to blend creative, experiential, and evidence-based teaching strategies to help participants understand chronic pain conditions and how a human systems approach can be applied to self-management strategies to reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and prevent chronic pain. There are four major objectives to the course;

1. Describe the prevalence, personal impact, and health care dilemma associated with chronic pain.
2. Recognize the clinical characteristics and underlying etiology of several common pain conditions and the peripheral, central, and genetic mechanisms of chronic pain
3. Based on the literature associated with risk and protective factors in the seven realms of our lives, learn specific strategies in each realm that can be employed daily to prevent chronic pain and enhance wellness.
4. Appreciate the value of a human systems approach to health care and how it can provide a basis for integrative, interdisciplinary, and individualized care to preventing pain and enhancing wellness.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Introduction to the Course
In this first module, we will introduce you to the course and present an overview of the topics to be discussed and format of the course. We will also present information about receiving Continuing Education, joining the International Myopain Society, and supporting the Campaign for Preventing Chronic Pain

WEEK 2
The Problem of Chronic Pain

WEEK 3
Common Pain Conditions and their Mechanisms

WEEK 4
Common Pain Conditions and their Mechanisms

WEEK 5
Common Pain Conditions and their Mechanisms

WEEK 6
Risk and Protective Factors in the Seven Realms

WEEK 7
Risk and Protective Factors in the Seven Realms

WEEK 8
Risk and Protective Factors in the Seven Realms

WEEK 9
Risk and Protective Factors in the Seven Realms

WEEK 10
Implementing Transformative Care

Suggested Reading: The Last Scroll