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Why is it Important to Understand the Complexity of Pain in Providing Relief and Comfort?

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN

September 2, 2024

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Question

Why is it important to understand the complexity of pain in providing relief and comfort?

Answer

Understanding the complexity of pain is crucial because it informs the selection of appropriate therapies and approaches that provide relief and comfort to individuals in various settings, whether in behavioral health, medical care, or other environments. Pain is not just a physical sensation; it is influenced by a combination of factors, including the body, mind, spirit, and social interactions. These elements can either amplify or dampen pain signals. For instance, engaging in mindfulness practices or deep breathing can help reduce the perception of pain by calming the mind and body. Recognizing this multifaceted nature of pain ensures that healthcare providers can offer more effective and holistic pain management strategies.

 

This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the webinar, Pain Management for Aging Populations in Medical and Behavioral Health Settings, presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN


susan holmes walker

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN the owner and founder of the Sulan Group LLC, is a registered nurse licensed in the states of Michigan and Florida. Dr. Holmes-Walker has experience as an adult pain clinical nurse specialist, case manager, and risk specialist.

 

Given the current state of the opioid epidemic, Dr. Holmes-Walker’s mission is to share lessons learned from the research literature and clinical practice during her nursing career to provide continuing education to healthcare professionals. The primary goal of this education is to increase knowledge and understanding of how quality pain assessment leads to improved pain management and can be used as a tool to address the opioid epidemic.


Related Courses

Pain Management I: Introducing the Pieces of the Quality Pain Management Puzzle
Presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Video

Presenter

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Course: #1839Level: Introductory1.28 Hours
  'Very informative and well organized'   Read Reviews
This course is intended to improve understanding of the relationship between quality pain assessment and pain management for Social Work professionals. A review of the literature and lessons learned from clinical practice will inform the lecture.

Pain Management Part II: Managing Expectations and Exploring Treatment Options
Presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Video

Presenter

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Course: #1841Level: Introductory1.5 Hours
  'LOTS of info'   Read Reviews
This course will explore the pieces of the quality pain management puzzle in managing patients' expectations of pain. In addition, pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain treatment options will be discussed.

Pain & Symptom Management in Behavioral Health and Medical Settings
Presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Video

Presenter

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Course: #2103Level: Introductory2.02 Hours
  'Detailed and well-organized, and case studies'   Read Reviews
This course will discuss the different types of pain and the symptoms related to each category and include information on the challenges of treating pain in the context of substance use. Participants will learn the importance of managing patients' expectations in pain and learn strategies to create an individualized, multimodal pain management plan.

Pain Management and Addiction/Substance Use Disorders: Navigating Use and Abuse
Presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Video

Presenter

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Course: #2111Level: Intermediate2.02 Hours
  'Excellent presenter'   Read Reviews
This course reviews the different pain categories to build a foundation on which to discuss the pain management challenges of people with a substance use disorder. During this course, learners learn strategies to help navigate the complexities of use and abuse.

Pain Management for Aging Populations in Medical and Behavioral Health Settings
Presented by Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Video

Presenter

Susan Holmes-Walker, PhD, RN
Course: #2150Level: Introductory1.03 Hours
  'The up to date information was very enlightening'   Read Reviews
Pain management for older adults is essential for the promotion of healthy aging. This webinar explores pain management and provides evidence-based data to help practitioners to understand and implement pain management interventions that improve pain and discomfort for aging populations.

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