After completing POLARIS Pain Management modules, learners stated they are now able to:
Recognize appropriate validated tools (including multi-dimensional tools) to measure and document pain for various situations, including special considerations (cognitively impaired or non-verbal persons);
Calculate and document morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDD)
Identify interventions to prevent and manage opioid induced constipation (OIC);
Identify the different types of pain to guide in selection of the right choice of medication(s).
POLARIS Pain Management is a state-of-the-art eLearning resource consisting of four (4) modules that are designed for RNs, APPs, pharmacists, physicians, and students involved in the practice of hospice and palliative care. NCPD hours are available for all four modules.
POLARIS eLearning modules are:
- Self-paced
- Interactive
- Structured with shorts bursts of information
- Engaging, with learning activities such as case studies and videos
- Available in multiple purchase options
- Eligible for NCPD hours and Pharm credits
Purchase Options
Individual Modules
This purchase option gives the individual user access to only the modules that interest you.
Module 1
$20 member/$30 non-member
Module 2
$20 member/$30 non-member
Module 3
$15 member/$25 non-member
Module 4
$20 member/$30 non-member
Total Package
This purchase option gives the individual user access to 4 POLARIS Pain Management modules.
$70 for members
$100 for non-members
POLARIS Pain Management was funded by the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Foundation through generous grant support from the Ho Chiang Foundation, McElhattan Foundation and Cambia Health Foundation.
Module 4.1: Assessment, Special Populations, and Evaluation
This module, which is appropriate for registered nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, and pharmacists, covers the evaluation of pain and the use of appropriate validation tools to measure and document pain. This includes an emphasis on the holistic and functional assessment of pain.
0.75 NCPD hours
0.75 Category 1 Pharm credit
Module 4.2: Interventions
This module, which is appropriate for registered nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, and pharmacists, is a practical resource for developing an appropriate pain management plan. It includes best practices for opioid safety, calculation of morphine equivalent daily doses (MEDDs), opioid rotations, the role of nonopioid and adjuvant medications in managing pain, and nonpharmacological interventions for pain management. You will be able to enhance your skills as you work through sample MEDD problems, engage in case studies which include changing opioid therapy, and learn about resources for nonpharmacologic approaches to pain management.
1.25 NCPD hours
1.25 Category 1 Pharm credit
Module 4.3: Opioid-Induced Constipation
This module, appropriate for registered nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, and pharmacists, offers an overview of the best practices for managing opioid-induced constipation.
0.5 NCPD hours
0.5 Category 1 Pharm credit
Module 4.4: Case Studies
This module provides opportunities to apply the concepts learned in the POLARIS pain modules to case studies involving patients in hospital, home, and outpatient settings.
1.0 NCPD hour
1.0 Category 1 Pharm credit
POLARIS Individual Modules: HPNA does not offer refunds or cancellations on individual, stand-alone POLARIS module purchases.
POLARIS Total Package or POLARIS Orientation Program: Refunds are permitted within 15 days of purchase, minus a $75 administrative fee. No refunds will be provided if a CE certificate has been awarded. No refunds or cancellations will be permitted beyond 15 days after purchase. Please contact the HPNA Education Department regarding cancellations at education@hpna.org. Cancellation requests must be received in writing.
Group Purchases
Group purchase options are available through the Employer Partner Program. Contact EPPartnership@hpna.org or 412-282-8206 to learn more.