Course Description:
Pain affects more than 100 million U.S. residents, and most social workers will work with patients and families whose lives have been touched by pain. However, chronic pain can be devastating and a challenge to treat, leading to years of physical and emotional suffering. Effective pain management has been complicated by myths and misconceptions held about people affected by chronic pain. We must seize every opportunity to challenge patient, provider, and systemic barriers to effective pain management. In using affirmative models of practice, social workers can assist those with chronic pain reduce suffering and increase quality of life in a variety of ways, from providing one-on-one/family/group psychotherapy and education to fighting for health care equity and social justice. Special attention will be placed on pain management as a global human right. The roles of the social worker in pain management will be considered, and resources will be shared.
Course Link:
http://www.socialwork.msu.edu/ceu
CE Value (credits): 3
CE Type: Standard
Sponsor:
Michigan State University School of SW
Contact Information:
Ryan Hasselbach
517-353-3060
swkce@msu.edu