Pain Assessment and Management

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About the Course
The purpose of this basic-level course is to elaborate on the definition of pain and its perception, factors hampering pain management, assessment of a client for pain, and interventions to improve function in clients with pain. The goal is to provide evidence-based practices that the health professional can use when working with clients who have pain.

Social Workers completing this course receive 2 clinical continuing education credits. 

Psychologists will receive 2 CE credits upon successfully completing this course. 

Counselors will receive 2 credit hours upon successfully completing this course.

Learning Objectives

  • Define the physiology and perception of pain.
  • Identify appropriate measures to assess pain.
  • Describe difficult-to-diagnose pain conditions.
  • Summarize the different mechanisms of pain relief, including considerations across the life span and pain management barriers.
  • Describe the interprofessional team approach to treating pain.
  • Identify preparatory, purposeful, and occupation-based interventions used with clients with pain.
  • Describe the role of mind/body techniques in managing pain.


About the Author
Kimberly A. Davis, OTD, MS, OTR/L, received her bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from the University of New England in 1992 and practiced in inpatient mental health with a focus on working with those with substance use disorder until 2003. In 1998, she completed her master’s degree at the University of New Hampshire, and in 2005, her doctorate of occupational therapy (OTD) at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. Beginning in 2003, she made the formal transition into academia at Husson University. She currently works with the homeless population, assisting them with gaining skills needed for a return to independent living. She also maintains a connection to clinical practice, providing rehabilitative services to clients with dementia. Dr. Davis is currently an associate professor in the masters of occupational therapy program at Husson University, Bangor, Maine.