Chronic pain is at epidemic levels and has become the highest-cost condition in health care. This course uses evidence-based science with creative and experiential learning to better understand chronic pain conditions and how they can be prevented through self-management in our cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental realms. Chronic musculoskeletal pain (including head, neck, and back pain) is a significant cause of suffering, disability, and health care in the world. Care for chronic pain often involves surgery, multiple medications (including opioids), endless physical and chiropractic therapy, injections, implanted devices, and other passive treatments-- making it the highest cost condition in health care. The burden upon individuals in terms of ongoing pain and suffering is incalculable.Consider an alternative. By using a human systems approach, we can better understand how individual risk factors in the cognitive, behavioral, physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and environmental realms of our lives can interact to perpetuate chronic pain and, if improved, can prevent it. During this course, you will: Identify the problems of our health care system in dealing with chronic pain. Review the diagnosis, mechanisms, and etiology of chronic pain conditions. Explore specific risk factors that can contribute to chronic pain. Learn how a human systems approach can be applied through evidence-based self-management strategies to prevent chronic pain. Experience active strategies designed to enhance the protective factors that can transform our own lives, and those of our patients, to one of health and wellness.This course was first offered in 2014. The course evaluations were carefully reviewed and the course was modified to improve its quality. Overall, 91%
of participants believed the overall
experience was satisfying, 92%
believed it met
the
objectives, 93%
believed that it made
a
difference in their life, and 85% believed that it
made
a
difference in the care of
patients. Selected comments from participants included; "This course is one of the most generous offerings that I have ever
encountered. There is so much life-changing,
life-affirming information available at no charge, to anyone who wants it,
is rare and amazing. I am VERY grateful
for it." “The learning experience has been tremendous!! Everyone
should have this knowledge, especially those in the health profession.” "I loved this class and want to take it again!"
“Absolutely
fascinating and enlightening…This information should be part of every health
care educational program!” “This course has really helped me to understand
myself better and why I think, act and see the world as I do.” “I am eternally
grateful for taking the time and energy to provide this beacon of knowledge to
the world.” “I think this course is a wonderful gift, because pain is an avoidable
part of our life. I have learned so many things.”We hope you enjoy the course and, of course, learn how to prevent chronic pain.Syllabus
Part A: Putting chronic pain in contextIntroduction to the courseThe health care dilemma of chronic painThe personal impact of chronic painThe balance between health and illness Part B: Tracing the mechanisms of painMyofascial painHeadacheFibromyalgiaArthritisTemporomandibular and orofacial painCurrent concepts of chronic pain mechanisms Part C: Preventing pain in the 7 realms of daily lifeResilience, self-efficacy, & expectationExercise, posture, & reducing physical strainPositive relationships & social supportCreating safe and protective environmentsManaging emotional challengesDiet, sleep, & energyGaining insight, hope, & purpose Part D: Bringing it all together to help the patientThe patient’s story: foundations for clinical reasoningImplementing transformative health careImproving the health care systemRecommended Background
No background is required; all are welcome!Suggested Readings
All course readings and materials will be available via the Coursera web site. Creative strategies are used to introduce each module. The story and excerpts from the mystery novel The Last Scroll are designed to present concepts such as moderation, balance, and passion that are important in preventing chronic pain and used to stimulate discussions. In this story, a lonely physician travels to an ancient Roman spa in Italy to learn about universal and timeless truths of health and wellness but finds himself a target of a killer. For those interested in reading along, The Last Scroll is available at Amazon. Purchase of the book is not required for this course. Profits from the book are contributed to the People's Campaign for Preventing Chronic Pain to improve prevention and care of chronic pain at: http://www.preventingchronicpain.org/ and http://www.indiegogo.com/project/preview/bc1c12f9 Course Format
The course consists of modules that includes 10 - 20 minute video segments including slides, videos, experiential demonstrations, self-management training; and discussions to provide practical knowledge on preventing chronic pain. Engage in creative learning strategies such as teaching through stories, personal assessment tools, and experiential training. There will be a Statement of Accomplishment offered for this course. FAQ
Will I get clinical advice in this course?No. This course deals with the principles of preventing chronic pain. The course does not provide clinical recommendations for individual situations. Is continuing education credit available?Yes. Licensed health care professionals who wish to earn continuing education credits can register by following the steps below. This is a two-step process:
1. First, register for Coursera's Signature Track by clicking on the yellow bar entitled “Earn A Verified Signature" on this Coursera course page. [Cost: Signature Track for this course is $49]2. Second, register for continuing education via one of the options below: Medical: Click here to register for continuing Medical education credits through
the University of Minnesota's Office of Continuing Professional Development. [Cost: $300] The University of Minnesota’s Office of Continuing Professional Development will issue you CE credits upon confirmation of completion from Signature Track.Dental: Click here to register for continuing Dental education credits through the University of Minnesota's Continuing Dental Education Program. [Cost: $300] The University of Minnesota’s Continuing Dental Education program will issue you CE credits upon confirmation of completion from Signature Track.
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT for CME Credit.
The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Accreditation
Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical
education for physicians.
The University of Minnesota designates this enduring material for a maximum of 20.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only
the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT for CDE Credit.
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is an ADA CERP
Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental
Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of
continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual
courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards
of dentistry. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry designates this
activity for 20 continuing education credits. Concerns or complaints about a CE
provider may be directed to the provider or to the ADA CERP at www.ada.org/cerp.