NICE guidelines (2004) and the End of Life Care Strategy (2008) call for the provision of appropriate pain and symptom management for all patients at the end of life.  The relief of pain and other symptoms significantly enhances quality of life.

This five day course covers:

The Nature of Pain and its Assessment (day 1)
28th April 2011

Learning outcomes:

• challenge your current views on pain
• discuss the physical causes of pain
• understand the concept of ‘total pain’
• describe the importance of accurate assessment & tools to enable this

The Pharmacological Management of Pain (day 2)
12th May 2011

Learning outcomes:

• describe the application of the analgesic ladder in managing pain
• demonstrate problem-solving skills to enable the selection of appropriate medications to effectively manage pain 
• understand the principles of drug management in pain control
• have an awareness of ethical issues in pain management

The Multi-professional Management of Pain (day 3)
26th May 2011

Learning outcomes:

• discuss the use of complementary therapies in the management of pain
• understand the role of allied health professionals in pain
• have an awareness of psychological approaches in pain management

Complex Symptoms at the End of Life (day 4)
16th June 2011

Learning outcomes:
 

• describe the management of difficult symptoms including: breathlessness; confusion & terminal agitation; nausea & vomiting; depression; and cachexia
• discuss ethical considerations involved in treating these symptoms at the end of life
• have an awareness of current innovation

Palliative Care Emergencies (day 5)
30th June 2011

Learning outcomes:

• recognise causes and features of emergencies in palliative care
• explain appropriate interventions for each issue
• identify the necessity for an urgent response in each situation
• identify ethical dilemmas involved in such complex clinical decision making

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Registered nurses and allied health professionals. 
Other healthcare professionals are welcome to attend.

Each day will run from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm at St Catherine's Education and Training Centre.  The full course costs
£399-00 ~ includes handouts, refreshments and lunch ~ but it is possible to book individual study days at £85-00 per day.