Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Explain the complex, multi-dimensional and individual-specific nature of pain.
Present theories for understanding pain.
Use and understand terminology for describing pain and associated conditions.
Describe the impact of pain on the individual and society.
Explain how cultural, institutional, societal and regulatory influences affect assessment and management of pain.
Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of human rights and social justice with specific relevance to the Declaration of Montreal, namely, “Access to pain management is a fundamental human right”.
Describe the unique pain management needs of special populations.
Explain how to manage pain across settings and transitions of care with specific reference to systems at district, provincial and national level within the context of the national health policy and international guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
Demonstrate the ability to use knowledge and skills to integrate practice in both the assessment (input and evaluation from all members of the team) and management of pain
Use collaborative approaches in decision making, selecting a diversity of treatment options, recognising the importance of patient agency, taking into account risk management and flexibility in care and treatment based on appropriate understanding of the clinical condition within context.
Critically select and use valid and reliable tools for measuring pain and associated symptoms to assess and reassess related outcomes as appropriate for the clinical context and population.
Critique patient, provider and system factors that can facilitate or interfere with effective pain assessment and management.
Assess patient preferences and values to determine pain-related goals and priorities.
Describe the unique pain assessment needs of special populations and critically select appropriate assessment methods based on evidence.
Provide holistic evidence-informed care within an interdisciplinary team, collaborating with the patient and others, as appropriate, in the education and shared decision-making process for pain care.
Monitor effects of Pain Management approaches to adjust the plan of care as needed.
Access, understand, interpret, synthesise and critically apply evidence in the contextual management of people with pain.
Explain how to assess pain across settings and transitions of care based on a critical understanding of literature and context.
Identify and integrate evidence-based pain treatment options that can be accessed in a comprehensive Pain Management plan.
Develop a holistic evidence-based Pain Treatment plan based on benefits and risks of available treatments.
Develop an evidence-based treatment plan that takes into account the differences between acute pain, acute-on-chronic pain, chronic/persistent pain, and pain at the end of life.
Critically examine published literature in the field of pain.
Incorporate evidence and research into care, to guide evidence-informed clinical decision making.
Critically evaluate an implemented individualised Pain Management plan that integrates the perspectives of patients, their social support systems and health care providers in the context of available resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
Demonstrate empathic and compassionate communication with patients during pain assessment.
Communicate effectively, clearly and courteously, both verbally and in writing, with patients and their families and with other professionals.

Integrated Assessment:
An assessment blueprint was developed for the qualification to ensure that assessment and learning outcomes were aligned and to inform teaching and learning activities. Assessments in the courses Introduction to Postgraduate studies”; “Introduction to Clinical Research Methods”; “The Multidimensional Nature of Pain”; “Comprehensive Pain Management”; “Measurement and Assessment of Pain and its effects” and “Pain management in Complex Conditions” will include short and long assignments using reflective writing to integrate theory with practice with both formative and summative assessments to guide learning. The short and long reflective assignments will be used as part of weekly teaching and learning activities which will prepare learners for the final assessments.

The modules “Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology of Nociception and Pain” will use online tests to assess knowledge of Neuroanatomy and Physiology. The assessment for these modules will comprise six online assessments of knowledge and a written knowledge test in the final integrated assessment.

The final integrated assessment will include an oral exam on a case reflected on by the learner and an essay proposing an assessment and treatment plan for a case provided.