| Effective Term: | 2026/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Health and Wellbeing |
| Unit Title: | Complex Spine and Pain Presentations |
| Unit ID: | NHPPS3115 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | (NHPPS4001) OR (NHPPS4101 and NHPPS4817) |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 061701 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
The unit will focus on the theoretical and biological principles that guide and justify the assessment of factors influencing pain. Further, the unit will focus on interventions which include working with people to manage the challenges associated with their pain. The unit emphasises integration of pain sciences into clinical reasoning models used to manage common clinical pain states, including spinal pain. Student will have the opportunity to further develop and refine their manual skills commonly used to manage spinal pain. This unit builds on the knowledge and skills acquired from previous learning and will draw together biopsychosocial knowledges and selected psychomotor skills to clinically reason through the complexity of the pain experience, from acute through to persistent pain scenarios. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory | | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | |  | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of pain, including biological, psychosocial, and pathophysiological contributors. |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Competently assess pain and related impairments using valid measures, and apply clinical reasoning to select appropriate pain management, education, and manual therapy strategies. |
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| S2. | Safely and effectively apply manual therapy techniques and advanced communication skills tailored to diverse pain presentations. |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Develop and implement collaborative, evidence-based plans aimed at modifying pain, promoting recovery, and improving function. |
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| A2. | Communicate effectively with patients and health professionals to support integrated, patient-centred pain management. |
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| Unit Content: |
Understanding Pain: Definitions and Models Types and Mechanisms of Pain Neuroanatomy and Neuroimmune Interactions Psychosocial Influences on Pain Assessment and Management of Persistent Pain Safety and Risk Considerations in Manual Therapy Manual Therapy in Pain Management |
| Graduate Attributes: |
| Federation University recognises that students require key transferable employability skills to prepare them for their future workplace and society. FEDTASKS (Transferable Attributes Skills and Knowledge) provide a targeted focus on five key transferable Attributes, Skills, and Knowledge that are be embedded within curriculum, developed gradually towards successful measures and interlinked with cross-discipline and Co-operative Learning opportunities. One or more FEDTASK, transferable Attributes, Skills or Knowledge must be evident in the specified learning outcomes and assessment for each FedUni Unit, and all must be directly assessed in each Course.
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| FED TASK and descriptor | Development and acquisition of FEDTASKS in the Unit | | Level | FEDTASK 1
Interpersonal | Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate, inter-act and work with others both individually and in groups. Students will be required to display skills in-person and/or online in: • Using effective verbal and non-verbal communication • Listening for meaning and influencing via active listening • Showing empathy for others • Negotiating and demonstrating conflict resolution skills • Working respectfully in cross-cultural and diverse teams. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 2
Leadership | Students will demonstrate the ability to apply professional skills and behaviours in leading others. Students will be required to display skills in: • Creating a collegial environment • Showing self -awareness and the ability to self-reflect • Inspiring and convincing others • Making informed decisions • Displaying initiative | N/A - Not Applicable | FEDTASK 3
Critical Thinking and Creativity | Students will demonstrate an ability to work in complexity and ambiguity using the imagination to create new ideas. Students will be required to display skills in: • Reflecting critically • Evaluating ideas, concepts and information • Considering alternative perspectives to refine ideas • Challenging conventional thinking to clarify concepts • Forming creative solutions in problem solving. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 4
Digital Literacy | Students will demonstrate the ability to work fluently across a range of tools, platforms and applications to achieve a range of tasks. Students will be required to display skills in: • Finding, evaluating, managing, curating, organising and sharing digital information • Collating, managing, accessing and using digital data securely • Receiving and responding to messages in a range of digital media • Contributing actively to digital teams and working groups • Participating in and benefiting from digital learning opportunities. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context | FEDTASK 5
Sustainable and Ethical Mindset | Students will demonstrate the ability to consider and assess the consequences and impact of ideas and actions in enacting ethical and sustainable decisions. Students will be required to display skills in: • Making informed judgments that consider the impact of devising solutions in global economic environmental and societal contexts • Committing to social responsibility as a professional and a citizen • Evaluating ethical, socially responsible and/or sustainable challenges and generating and articulating responses • Embracing lifelong, life-wide and life-deep learning to be open to diverse others • Implementing required actions to foster sustainability in their professional and personal life. | Level 3 - Student works independently with limited guidance or works within self-determined guidelines appropriate to context |
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| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1, S1, A1, A2 | Patient education resource | Digital presentation | 30-40% | | 2. | S2, A2 | Skill Demonstration | Practical Assessment | 20-30% | | 3. | K1, S1, A1, A2 | Case Presentation | Oral Viva | 35-45% |
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