CCT in Anaesthetics - Core Level Training

Published: 14/08/2019

Pain medicine

Wherever possible, this Core Level unit of training should occur in a dedicated block.

Learning outcomes:

  • To be competent in the assessment and effective management of acute post-operative and acute non post-operative pain
  • To acquire knowledge necessary to provide a basic understanding of the management of chronic pain in adults
  • To recognise the special circumstances in assessing and treating pain in children, the older person and those with communication difficulties
  • To demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of post-op analgesia requirements for children, the older person and those with communication difficulties

 Core clinical learning outcomes:

  • Competence in the assessment of acute surgical and non surgical pain and demonstrate the ability to treat effectively
  • To have an understanding of chronic pain in adults

NB: All competencies annotated with the letter ‘E’ can be examined in any of the components of the Primary examination identified in the FRCA examination blueprint on page B-99 or in the Final examination identified in the Final FRCA blueprint on page C72 of Annex C.

Knowledge

Competence

Description

Assessment methods

GMP

PM_BK_01

Recalls the anatomy and physiology of pain medicine to include nociceptive, visceral and neuropathic pain [cross ref basic sciences ]

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_02

Describes drugs used to manage pain and their pharmacology [including but not limited to opioids, NSAIDs, Coxibs, local anaesthetics and drugs used to manage neuropathic pain]

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_03

Explains the principles of neural blockade for acute pain management

A,C,E

1,2

PM_BK_04

Describes the methods of assessment of pain

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_05

Explains the relationship between acute and chronic pain

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_06

Describes a basic understanding of chronic pain in adults

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_07

Explains the importance of the biopsychosocial aspects of pain

A,C

1,2

PM_BK_08

Describes the organisation and objectives of an acute pain service

A,C,E

1

PM_BK_09

Explains the limitations of pain medicine

A,C,E

1

Skills

Competence

Description

Assessment methods

GMP

PM_BS_01

Demonstrates the ability to assess manage and monitor acute surgical and non surgical pain and side effects of medication  

A

1,2,3,4

PM_BS_02

Demonstrates appropriate and safe drug prescribing

A,C

1,2

PM_BS_03

Demonstrates the safe use of equipment used to manage pain including equipment used for PCA, epidurals and inhalational techniques

A,D

1,2

PM_BS_04

Demonstrates the safe and effective use of local anaesthetic peripheral and regional neural blockade techniques

A,D

1,2

PM_BS_05

Demonstrates the ability to manage severe unrelieved acute pain and distress in a timely, safe and effective manner

A,M

1,2,3,4

PM_BS_06

Demonstrates the importance of regular on-going monitoring of pain management/follow up

A,C,M

1,2,3

PM_BS_07

Demonstrates recognition of acute neuropathic pain

C

1

PM_BS_08

Demonstrates the ability to communicate effectively with patients, relatives and carers including advantages, disadvantages and side effects of pain management

C

1,2,3