Ethics of Pain Management in Vulnerable Populations

3 Units

This course will explore the multidimensional qualities of the human experience of pain, including its moral dimensions. Vulnerable populations across the lifespan most subject to unethical pain care will be described (e.g., marginalized populations, those with substance use disorder, chronic pain, mental health comorbidities, cognitive disabilities, and others). Historic and current views of the moral obligation of healthcare providers to treat people with pain will be discussed. Select codes of ethics and pain management policies will be critiqued. Ethical theories will be reviewed for their utility in providing frameworks for determining how ethical, empathetic, effective, and safe pain care can be achieved in the most vulnerable populations. Offered as BETH 426 and NURS 426 . Counts as a Moral & Ethical Reasoning course. Prereq: Graduate student standing.