Managing pain is central to palliative care - but what happens when the pain we’re seeing isn’t caused by the person’s terminal diagnosis?

As people live longer with chronic and life-limiting illness, palliative care nurses may increasingly encounter patients experiencing significant persistent pain alongside, rather than because of, their palliative care needs. Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis and other persistent pain conditions can present a very different clinical challenge.

In this practical panel discussion, Sarah Begley, Jenny McKenzie and Lynda Gundry will explore the intersection between chronic pain and palliative care, including how chronic pain develops, how it differs from the pain more commonly managed in palliative care, and why recognising the difference matters.

The panel will discuss approaches to assessment and management, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological options, and take a closer look at opioid stewardship. When might commencing an opioid not be the most helpful approach? Which patients may be at greater risk of harm? And what are the potential consequences of starting opioids for persistent pain?

The discussion will also explore a challenge familiar to many nurses: how do we support someone living with significant pain when there may not be a simple medication solution?

Using practical examples and clinical experience, this session will encourage thoughtful discussion about managing chronic pain while balancing symptom relief, safety and responsible prescribing.

This webinar aims to explore:

• chronic pain and how it differs from pain associated with a terminal diagnosis

• assessment and recognising when pain may have another cause

• pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to persistent pain

• opioid stewardship and when opioids may not be appropriate

• potential harms associated with opioid use for chronic pain

• practical approaches for nurses supporting people living with significant persistent pain.

Chronic Pain in Palliative Care: The Dos and Don’ts is designed for palliative care nurses and other health professionals looking to build their confidence in navigating this complex and sometimes challenging area of practice.

This webinar is exclusive to current PCNA members. Membership will be confirmed prior to registration being confirmed.

Not a member? Join PCNA to access this webinar and other member-exclusive education throughout the year.