Healthcare Professional Resources
Consumer Resources
Healthcare Professional Resources
National Strategic Action Plan for Pain Management NSW ACI Pain Management Network: Comprehensive website containing resources for consumers (everyone, youth, people with spinal cord or brain injury, Indigenous Australians) and health professionals. NSW specific referral information, with links to useful toolkits, factsheets and resources for all health care professionals. Quick Steps to Manage Chronic Pain in Primary Care: Interactive tool for GPs to assess patients and develop a pain management plan in eight steps. NSW ACI Standardised Pain Charts: Statewide approved charts for patients receiving a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), a single dose opioid via the neuraxial route, ketamine infusion, epidural infusion, continuous opioid infusion, or a peripheral nerve infusion. NSW ACI Chronic Pain virtual tool kit: Information specific to clinicians delivering pain management services via virtual care in NSW hospitals. The toolkit describes the virtual care service model for chronic pain. This model connects local health districts to primary care. Positive language in pain consultations: Guide for clinicians on how to use positive phrases in consultations and avoid stigmatising language, with external links to related resources. Mindfulness & Pain Explained with Dr Adele Stewart Changing how we think about chronic pain - Hunter New England Integrated Care Partnership Living with Chronic Pain - Hunter New England Integrated Care Partnership Effective management of chronic pain for clinicians - Hunter New England Integrated Care Partnership The Biopsychosocial Management of Pain - Hunter New England Integrated Care Partnership
Children and youth resources
NSW ACI - Young people transitioning to adult chronic pain services: This toolkit guides adult and paediatric pain management services to make appropriate modifications to their services to allow young people a successful transition into adult services. Support Kids in Pain (SKIP): Complied list of resources for health professionals. Includes factsheets, key articles, external links, YouTube links, and resources to provide young people and their families. electronic Persistent Pain Outcomes Collaboration (ePPOC): Paediatric questionnaires assessing the impact of pain for both patients and carers/parents. The questionnaires used depend on the age of the patient. Concept of Pain Inventory (COPI) – online assessment form: The initial 21-item pool was developed with expert and patient input, and it was tested in 8–12-year-old Australian children who had sought care for pain, resulting in the 14-item tool for children. SickKids Pain Management, Research and Education Centre: High quality site with information for health care professionals including clinical practice guidelines (Canadian), position statements, links to research networks and evidence repositories. Provides free online training (Online Paediatric Pain Curriculum). International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) - Faces Pain Scale – Revised: The Faces Pain Scale – Revised (FPS-R) is a self-report measure of pain intensity developed for children. This site provides guidance on how to use the FPS-R and has pdf download. Pain in Children Module in FPM Better Pain Management Course (Australia): Module 12 from the FPM modules is for pain management in infants through to adolescents. Queensland Health - Education recordings: Online open-access recordings of a youth persistent pain education event. Australian College of Nursing - Paediatric Pain Assessment and Management: Single unit of study (also contributes to Grad Cert) for nurses designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of nurses essential for the provision of holistic care for infants, children and adolescents experiencing pain (total 150 hours). Australian Psychological Society (APS) eLearning - Best evidence for the rehabilitation of chronic pain (Paediatric pain): 1hr self-paced eLearning package. Presents an up-to-date review of evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents with chronic pain. Online Paediatric Pain Curriculum (SickKids): Free online course based on the International Association for the Study of Pain core curriculum. Consists of 15 modules that take 20–25 minutes each and offers a certificate of completion. Some modules specific to acute pain or palliative setting, but most are relevant to chronic pain. Paediatric Pain and Opioid Education (Boston Children’s Hospital): Multiple free online courses on acute/ chronic pain in children. Courses on pathophysiology, pain assessment, pharmacotherapy, non-pharmacologic management strategies, case studies, chronic abdominal pain in teenagers, and understanding the pain behaviours of nonverbal children with intellectual disability. NHS e pain module - Pain in Children is Different: 1 of 12 online modules available to NHS workers. This session describes the incidence, causes and effects of pain in infants, children and young people and the basic physiological mechanisms operating in both acute and chronic pain. ECHO network: Children, adolescents and young adults with complex pain: Ten session program aimed at enabling the delivery of developmentally sensitive, personalised care for every child, adolescent and young adult with chronic pain. This Community of Practice relies on case discussions to draw upon the collective knowledge of group members, to collaboratively unpack complexities and problem solve. Project ECHO - Pain Management: Interprofessional network/community of practice for health care professionals treating paediatric pain (acute and chronic). Canadian based, however international healthcare professionals can sign up. Weekly sessions (Sept - March) include didactic presentations and an interactive discussion of de-identified patient cases. Project ECHO eLearning - Pain Management: Free online e-learning course for healthcare professionals. Encompasses a multimodal approach including physical, psychosocial, pharmacological and other evidence-based strategies to support patients and their families manage paediatric acute and chronic pain. Australian Pain Society - Pain in Childhood Special Interest Group (SIG): An international internet forum for informal discussion of any topic related to pain in children. There are over 800 members from six continents.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resources
Culturally and linguistically diverse resources
International Association for the Study of Pain: Range of translated factsheets and posters, including Faces Pain Scale-Revised. Australian Pain Society Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Resources: Collated list of resources/links suitable to assist with pain management. Pain Scales in multiple languages Health translations - Tools for professionals: A collection of useful tools for healthcare professionals working with clients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. NSW ACI Translated Videos and Resources: Pain Network Brainman videos and Pain Toolkit translations - Arabic, Chinese (traditional and simplified), Greek, Italian, Korean, Italian, and Vietnamese. NSW ACI Cultural context and pain communication toolkit: Pain booklet to assist healthcare providers to assess pain patients who have low literacy levels, who are non-English speaking, the elderly and those with disabilities. Provides general background advice as well as specific information about a number of cultural backgrounds, highlighting differences in communication and health beliefs and practices. Cultural profiles include Afghan, Burmese, Indian, Iraqi, Sri Lankan, Sudanese and Vietnamese Australians. Australasian College of Paramedicine - Culturally Aware Assessment of Pain: Training (1hr) that aims to assist paramedics when assessing pain with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori people and their experiences with the Australian healthcare system. Pain Canada Chronic Pain Insights Course: Module 3 underscores the importance of culturally sensitive care and advocates for a comprehensive biopsychosocial model to prevent and manage chronic pain effectively with a focus on self-management strategies.
Online programs
University of Sydney Master of Medicine/Science in Medicine Degree Latrobe University Short Course in Pain Management University of Sydney Professional Certificate in Psychology of Pain University of Sydney Professional Certificate in Orofacial Pain Science University of South Australia Professional Certificate in Pain Science Australian College of Nursing - Assessing and Managing Adult Pain: Single (online) unit of study for nurses to increase knowledge of adult pain assessment and management in clinical setting. Can contribute to several graduate certificates in nursing (150 hours of study). Australian College of Nursing - Paediatric Pain Assessment & Management: Single (online) unit of study designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and attitudes of nurses essential for the provision of holistic care for infants, children and adolescents experiencing pain. Can contribute to Grad Cert in Paediatric Nursing (150 hours of study). Australian College of Nursing - Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain: Single unit of study (also contributes to the graduate certificate) for nurses: theoretical knowledge to improve how they assess and manage endometriosis and pelvic pain in the clinical setting (endometriosis pathophysiology, pain physiology, and contemporary, evidence-based treatment and management). 150 hours of study total, all online. ECHO network: Children, adolescents and young adults with complex pain: Ten session program aimed at enabling the delivery of developmentally sensitive, personalised care for every child, adolescent and young adult with chronic pain. This Community of Practice relies on case discussions to draw upon the collective knowledge of group members, to collaboratively unpack complexities and problem solve. Project ECHO - Pain Management: Interprofessional network/community of practice for health care professionals treating paediatric pain (acute and chronic). Canadian based, however international healthcare professionals can sign up. Weekly sessions (Sept - March) include didactic presentations and an interactive discussion of de-identified patient cases. Project ECHO eLearning - Pain Management: Free online e-learning course for healthcare professionals. Encompasses a multimodal approach including physical, psychosocial, pharmacological and other evidence-based strategies to support patients and their families manage paediatric acute and chronic pain.
Self-paced programs
Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Faculty of Pain Medicine (FPM) Better Pain Management Program The Australian Pain Society painACT - Pain Aged Care Training: Online modules (7) designed to educate aged care staff about pain and best practices in pain management. Medicines Advice Initiative Australia - Pathways out of Persistent Pain: CPD activity for doctors and pharmacists. Provides topic overview, patient information brochures, case scenario, and clinical practice self-review. Approx 2 hours of learning. MedCast Clinical Practice Review - Opioid Use for chronic musculoskeletal pain: Online learning modules for GPs; includes 3 eLearning clinical case studies and a clinical chart review (5.5 hours online). NHS eLearning - Pain in Children is Different: This session describes the incidence, causes and effects of pain in infants, children and young people and the basic physiological mechanisms operating in both acute and chronic pain. Pain BC Society (Canada) Continuing Pain Education hub: Free, open-access self-paced courses for health care professionals. Sick Kids (Canada) Project ECHO eLearning: Pain Management: Free online e-learning course on a multimodal approach including physical, psychosocial, pharmacological and other evidence-based strategies to support patients and their families manage paediatric acute and chronic pain. Vagenius Training - Persistent Pelvic Pain: Online course (5 structured modules) for GPs, gynaecologists, physicians, and nurse practitioners. Topics include exploring history further, examinations & Investigations, GP management of PPP and team leadership. HealthCert Education Advanced Certificate in Geriatric Medicine: Module 8 of the Advanced Certificate in Geriatric Medicine provides an overview of chronic non-cancer pain in older adults including definitions, pathophysiology, assessment and management. ArmChair Medical - A Pain Course For GPs: Two-part course for GPs. Part 1: mechanisms and assessment of pain, introduce a socio-psychosocial framework for acute pain and guidelines for responding to emotions in clinic encounters. Part 2: pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways to manage cancer and non-cancer chronic pain (including possible procedural interventions). Noigroup - Explain Pain: Live via Zoom (international, some in Australian time zone). 3 x sessions over approx. 15hrs. Online Paediatric Pain Curriculum (SickKids): Free online course based on the International Association for the Study of Pain core curriculum. Consists of 13 modules that take 20–25 minutes each and offers a certificate of completion. Hunter Pain Clinic Education for Nurses: The pain clinic provides education for nurses online (7 modules available) and in-person. RANZCOG Endometriosis eLearning module: Open to all health care professionals with an interest in women's health (4 -6 CPD hours for most colleges (e.g., RANZCOG, ACRRM, RACGP, CAN)). ClinExEd Pain in Practice: Online, self-paced course designed for exercise scientists/sports scientist outlining the evidence for the role of exercise in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain (7 CPD points with ESSA). Movement Health - Coach People Experiencing Pain: Online professional development course for health care professionals of all backgrounds who are working with people experiencing pain. It presents the science of pain and supports practitioners to apply their new knowledge enhancing health care practice (12 CPD points with ESSA). Australian Psychological Society Introduction to pain management: eLearning package (2hr CPD for Australian Psychology Society members) for psychologists, physiotherapists or other health care professionals. Uses activities, case studies and self-assessments to help learners recognise key contributors to the development/maintenance of chronic pain, best practice interventions and assessment tools, and identify specific approaches which ameliorate the impact of compensation systems, opioid use and other potential barriers to treatment success. Australian Psychological Society (APS) eLearning - Best evidence for the rehabilitation of chronic pain (Paediatric pain): 1hr self-paced eLearning package (1hr CPD for APS members). Presents an up-to-date review of evidence-based interventions for children and adolescents with chronic pain. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet - Good Medicine Better Health: Chronic Pain: Three online modules that aim to increase the knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners so they can educate patients on chronic pain. Also aims to increase knowledge about the medicines and non-medicine treatments used to manage chronic pain. Australasian College of Paramedicine - Culturally Aware Assessment of Pain: Training (1hr) that aims to assist paramedics when assessing pain with Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Māori people and their experiences with the Australian healthcare system. Pain Canada Chronic Pain Insights Course: Module 3 underscores the importance of culturally sensitive care and advocates for a comprehensive biopsychosocial model to prevent and manage chronic pain effectively with a focus on self-management strategies. South Australian Postgraduate Medical Education Association (SAPMEA) Chronic Pain ECHO: Access to recordings, presentations and resources from a previously run ECHO Network (2022).
Hybrid courses
CPD Libraries and Curriculum
Services
Networks
Special Interest Groups
Consumer Resources
IASP (International Association for the Study of Pain): International pain body website with resources relevant to those living with pain; including the RELIEF publication, which exists to explain pain research and provides readable news summaries, feature articles, interviews, webinars, and podcasts about chronic pain.painAustralia: Pain advocacy body. Website includes information about different types of pain and in different population groups, resources, and videos including expert answers to common questions and consumers sharing their lived experience of living with chronic pain. Chronic Pain Australia (CPA/APMA): Consumer advocacy organisation. Website includes resources, including videos, patient stories and factsheets. The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA): Website page for patients with information about what is pain and how it is managed, what specialist pain medicine physicians do, opioids and chronic pain and additional resources. NSW ACI Pain Management Network: Resources ‘for everyone’ that cover an introduction to pain, getting help from your health care team, pain & physical activity, lifestyle & nutrition, pain & the role of medications, pain & thoughts, pain & sleep. Also see here for additional resources including videos.NSW Health (Northern Sydney LHD): Overview of pain for consumers and links to services including outpatient programs. WA Health: painHEALTH: A web resource that offers interactive self-checks and self-management tips to help better manage the complex nature of persistent pain. Victorian Department of Health Better Health Channel: One page summary for consumers living with persistent pain, with links to conditions specific sites on the Better Health Channel. Pain Revolution: Slideshows and pdfs on what is the role of pain, what if pain persists, how well do you understand your pain, how can you use your new understanding of pain. Also includes a series of videos .Tame The Beast: Information about understanding your pain, patient stories, and additional resources. Queensland Health: Information on understanding and managing persistent pain. ESSA's "Exercising for persisting pain" e-book: Free Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) e-book on exercising with persistent pain. The Pain Toolkit: An interactive booklet and available as a digital download and audio book. Website includes an introduction to each of the tools with embedded videos: simple skills for pacing and planning activities, goal setting, and relaxation. There is a collated list of resources for patients and podcasts .Living with persistent pain videos: Developed by RealTimeHealth with the assistance of the Australian Pain Society for people living with persistent pain and cover living with persistent pain, pain management course and pain self-management.
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network – Changing how we think about chronic pain Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network – Living with chronic pain Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network – Effective management of chronic pain for clinicians Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network – The biopsychosocial management of pain
PainAustralia - National Pain Directory for Public and Private Pain Services: Searchable directory of pain services Chronic Pain Australia: Support Groups and Online Forum
PainWISE Community Pharmacy Professional Service program: Search and find a pharmacist trained in chronic pain management in your local area. PainWISE pharmacists have all completed the PainWISE Foundations training program and will provide evidence-based options to patients who come to seek their help for both acute and chronic pain management. Pain Trainer (Centre for Health, Exercise & Sports Medicine (CHESM) at the University of Melbourne): Free of charge, interactive online program to teach pain management strategies. Total of 8 sessions, each lasting about 30-45 minutes. Contains resources for users to log your practice, set reminders, and a digital workbook for print/download. Macquarie University - eCentreClinic Pain Courses: Online program for adults (18yrs and older) with chronic pain. A free program designed to provide information and teach practical skills for managing the impact of chronic pain on day-to-day activities and emotional wellbeing (5 online lessons delivered over 8 weeks, DIY guides, case studies). Includes courses in chronic pain and endometriosis pain. MindSpot: Online pain management program for Australian residents aged 18 years and over. Free access via clinician referral. Consists of five lessons over an eight-week period. It provides the information and practical skills normally provided by a mental health professional at a specialist pain management clinic. This Way Up: Online chronic pain course developed in conjunction with the Department of Pain Medicine at St Vincent’s Hospital. Uses cognitive behavioural therapy, where patients learn practical strategies for managing chronic pain and associated low mood and anxiety. Access requires referral from a clinician. Live Well with Pain (UK) ten footsteps programme: A step-by-step guide to living well with persistent pain, including videos, tips and tools, pdfs and links to trusted online resources.
Information and resources
Chronic Pain Australia - Supporting Australian Kids in Pain: Facts and statistics for parents and carers, Paintalks: Navigating School for Kids in Pain and e-Book for parents. PainBytes (Youth) - NSW ACI: A video series of 7 episodes aimed at youth with information on pain from understanding pain, to managing at school. Includes embedded activities. youngPainHealth: Site co-created in collaboration with young people with musculoskeletal pain including patient stories, pain conditions, self-checks, and pain management information. My Pain Toolkit - For young people and teenagers living with pain: Toolkit for teenagers with websites and links for additional support. Supporting Kids in Pain (SKIP): Resources for young people including factsheets, videos and comics. Kids Health NZ - Chronic or Persistent Pain: Website with key information on understanding pain, cause, and management. NZ Pain Video: Ten-minute video animation explaining pain for children/youth. SickKids (Canada) – Pain Learning Hub: Resources on assessing and managing pain in different age groups Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP – Canada): Online resource hub for youth living with chronic pain, including an opioid toolkit, sickle cell disease resources, resources for surgery and other factsheets.
Programs and support
Creative Healing for Youth in Pain: Educational resources, workshops and peer connection for youth living with chronic pain, parents & caregivers. Includes sections on the science of pain, chronic pain and creative healing, and for parents. Comprehensive resource library with factsheets, videos, school resources, TED talks, resources for teens and young adults, and for parents.Macquarie University - eCentreClinic Youth pain course: Online course for youth 12 - 17 years, living in Australia, with pain > 3 months. Modules include self-management strategies and skills, and parent/carer information. The program also includes brief contact with a psychologist. Creative Healing for Youth in Pain – Online Programs: Various online and virtual programs. Examples include creative healing workshops, summer camps, an on-demand module program for youth and educational webinar series, parenting blog, and youth and parent peer support groups. MyCarePath (British Columbia Children’s Hospital) – Online Program: Online program developed to support youth, young adults, and families in understanding and managing chronic pain.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resources
Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Resources
Translated resources – NSW ACI Pain Management Network: Pain management programs and a toolkit in the following languages: Chinese (Traditional), Chinese (Simplified), Arabic, Vietnamese, Korean, Greek, Italian. NSW ACI Understanding Pain in less than 5 minutes video: This video helps people with chronic pain a manage the impacts of chronic pain on their emotions and personal relationships and help with pain management. Available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. Pain Revolution Fact Sheets: Various pain factsheets in multiple languages including: Arabic, Dutch, Estonian, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese, Spanish, Simplified Chinese and Traditional Chinese.
