Outline

Overview

This unit aims to provide a theoretical framework for the management of acute pain, to examine the biopsychosocial contributors that are important considerations in the development of acute pain conditions and their clinical management. Topics covered include the principles of pre-emptive analgesia and evidence of effectiveness in preventing pain, pharmacological management of acute pain including approaches such as patient controlled analgesia, adjunctive approaches in managing acute pain, the transition from acute to chronic pain, the role of clinician patient communication in the experience of acute pain and strategies to modify social contributors to pain.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Postgrad Coursework - SMS
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	This unit is case based and is only suitable for experienced clinicians
Available to study abroad and exchange students	No

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Claire Ashton-James, claire.ashton-james@sydney.edu.au
Tutor(s)	Damien Finniss, damien.finniss@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length	Use of AI
Contribution	1. Student-Led Case Discussions & Reflections Online discussions	25%	Multiple weeks Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	Week 2 to Week 13	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	2. Acute Pain Service Presentation Audiovisual presentation	25%	Week 09 Due date: 03 May 2026 at 23:59	30 minute PowerPoint presentation	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
Written work	3. Topic Review Written	50%	Week 13 Due date: 31 May 2026 at 23:59	3000-3500 words	AI allowed
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ?

Assessment summary

Assignment 1a. Student-Led Case Tutorials: The tutorials are conducted from Week 2 to Week 13, with six cases you must discuss during this timeframe. Students are divided into small groups and allocated a case to lead. Each case is runs for two weeks (the first week is for all students to prepare for the tutorial in the following week). Note: your active participation in the online tutorials is an ESSENTIAL requirement to a passing grade in this unit.
Assignment 1b. Case Reflections: After each live student-led case tutorial, all students (both the tutorial leads and participants) will post a short reflection on the case discussion board (100-200 words). Your reflection post should demonstrate critical reflection on the case.
Assignment 2. Acute Pain Service Presentation: You need to develop and present (record) a 30 minute powerpoint presentation to advocate to the non-clinical managers of the hospital for the implementation of an Acute Pain Service.
Assignment 3. Topic Review: Choose 2 topics and critically review the literature as it relates to each of these topics. Each topic review should be approximately 1500 - 2000 words in length.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Meets the unit requirements to an exceptional standard
Distinction	75 - 84	Meets the unit requirements to a very high standard
Credit	65 - 74	Meets the unit requirements to a good standard
Pass	50 - 64	Meets the unit requirements to an acceptable standard
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week -01	Orientation	Self-directed learning (2 hr)
Week 01	Introduction to Acute Pain	Self-directed learning (10 hr)
Week 02	Case 1: Analgesia and Pregnancy	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 04	Case 2: Analgesia for Colorectal Surgery	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 06	Case 3: Trauma Pain in the Elderly	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 08	Case 4: Post Amputation Pain	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 10	Case 5: Day Surgery	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 12	Case 6: Acute Low Back Pain Management	Self-directed learning (20 hr)
Week 14 (STUVAC)	Review	Self-directed learning (8 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Active participation in online discussions is a compulsory aspect of this unit of study. Students cannot pass the unit without passing the online discussion assessment.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

There is no prescribed textbook for this unit of study. All required readings are available online via Canvas and the University Library.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Principles of evidence-based assessment and management of acute pain
LO2. Critically evaluate issues surrounding the management of acute pain conditions.
LO3. Communicate with colleagues and lay persons about acute pain conditions and their management

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

All cases reviewed. One case replaced with a new case with more of a community focus. Modifications made to the other cases with consideration given to expanding the psycho-social aspects.

Disclaimer

Important: the University of Sydney regularly reviews units of study and reserves the right to change the units of study available annually. To stay up to date on available study options, including unit of study details and availability, refer to the relevant handbook.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PAIN5021: Acute Pain

Semester 1, 2026 [Online] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links