Understanding Pain Program

The Understanding Pain program is a micro-credential course offered by the RCSI School of Physiotherapy. The program aims to advance participants' understanding of contemporary knowledge underpinning multidimensional pain and develop advanced clinical skills of assessment and management.

Program Description

The program focuses on chronic non-cancer pain, a significant public health challenge affecting approximately 20% of adults. Participants will learn about the neurophysiology and behavioral science underlying multidimensional acute or chronic pain experience. The course covers pain mechanisms, advanced communication skills, and clinical evaluation of the biopsychosocial impact of pain.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the program, participants should be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the neurophysiology and behavioral science underpinning multidimensional acute or chronic pain experience
• Explain pain mechanisms and apply IASP clinical criteria and grading system
• Demonstrate advanced communication skills enabling effective assessment and treatment of patients with pain
• Clinically evaluate the biopsychosocial impact of pain in the context of the WHO ICF framework and evidence-based clinical tools
• Recognize the lived experience of a patient in pain
• Explore alternative/contemporary views of pain
• Illustrate physiotherapy management strategies and distinguish multidisciplinary roles and management strategies within a collaborative model of practice

Program Details

• Duration: 3 months
• Mode of Delivery: Hybrid - Part-time
• Credits: 5 ECTS
• Next Start Date: September 2026
• Fees: 750

Suitable for

This program is suitable for physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses working with people experiencing pain. Participants should ideally have experience working with people experiencing complex pain at any stage of their lifespan.

Faculty

The program is led by Louise Keating, a Lecturer at the School of Physiotherapy and a practicing clinical specialist in musculoskeletal therapy.

Assessment

The program assessment consists of an individual assignment (case study) making up 80% of the assessment and a reflective portfolio (contribution, formative) covering the remaining 20%.

Accreditation and Recognition

RCSI is a recognized University of the National University of Ireland (NUI). Recognition by Ministries and bodies in other jurisdictions must be determined by individual applicants.

Admissions

To be considered for entry into the program, applicants must:

• Have a bachelor's or master's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in physiotherapy, occupational therapy, or nursing
• Have CORU or NMBI registration (or equivalent) from an overseas regulator
• Have at least one year of post-qualification clinical experience

English Language Requirements

English language requirements for postgraduate programs are published on the RCSI website. If English is not the first language, applicants will also need to supply a copy of an academic IELTS examination or equivalent, with an overall score of at least 6.5 and no individual band below 6.5.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants without an undergraduate degree at level 7 or above may still be eligible to apply through recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is the assessment of knowledge, skills, and competence previously acquired.

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)

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