GEP Medicine in Society Handbook 2019/20

3.3. Back pain and other chronic pain

Aims

To introduce students to the definition, causes, risk factors for and management of chronic pain, and its effects on individuals, their families and society. 

In preparation students should have:

• Looked at the following links: 

1. for definitions and descriptions of Chronic pain click here, 
2. to hear some descriptions of the effects of chronic pain on individuals see the Health talk Online website 
3. and for information on clinical management of this condition please see Arthritis Research UK website

• Considered questions to ask a GP or a patient about dealing with chronic pain. 

Learning objectives

By the end of the day, the student should be able to:

• Describe the factors that are important in the development of chronic, disabling pain;
• Summarise the socio-economic impact on individuals, the community and the health services of this condition;
• Discuss the effect of chronic pain that the doctor cannot 'cure' on the relationship between the doctor and the patient;
• Identify and describe a range of orthodox and complementary therapies used to deal with chronic pain.

Suggested Activities 

• Tutorial on chronic pain;
• In pairs, plan interview schedule to carry out with a GP, other Health Care professional and/or patient on dealing with chronic pain;
• Interview patient and/or health care professional about the challenges of dealing/living with chronic pain;
• Meet with practitioner providing pain management advice/treatment to people with chronic pain;
• Debrief with student group and tutor.