Managing Pain Before and After Surgery

The Managing Pain Before and After Surgery course is a free, self-paced online program designed to help people undergoing surgery and their families effectively manage pain and reduce post-surgery complications. Research shows that understanding pain management before surgery helps set realistic expectations, promotes safe use of prescribed medications, and enhances overall well-being and comfort.

The brief course is made up of three modules to help you prepare for surgery, manage pain after surgery, and build a specialized plan if you have chronic pain prior to surgery.

Understand what to expect at your pre-surgical health care appointments, what to know before and on the day of your surgery, and surgery recovery tips for faster healing
Explain what to expect after surgery and implement tips for managing pain after surgery through effective communication with your health care providers, safe use of prescribed medications, and effective use of non-medication pain management strategies.
Prepare for surgery with chronic pain and apply strategies for minimizing its impact on your post-surgery recovery.

Certification

The brief course is made up of three modules to help you prepare for surgery, manage pain after surgery, and build a specialized plan if you have chronic pain prior to surgery.
Module 1 - Module one: Preparing for surgery
Learn what to expect at your pre-surgical health care appointments, what to know before surgery, and on the day of your surgery, as well as surgery recovery tips for faster healing.
Module 2: Pain after surgery
Learn what to expect after surgery and tips for managing pain after surgery through effective communication with your health care providers, safe use of prescribed medications, and effective use of non-medication pain management strategies.
Module 3: For people experiencing chronic pain prior to surgery
Learn more about preparing for surgery with chronic pain, and strategies for minimizing its impact on your post-surgery recovery.
Post-learning survey & Certification

Faculty

Dora (Thea) Wang: HBSc Candidate, University of Toronto. Patient Partner, Patient Voices Network
Anna Lomanowska: PhD. Scientific Associate. Transitional Pain Service, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network
Alyssa Hodgson: MA, MD, FRCPC (Anesthesiology). Clinical Instructor, UBC Faculty of Medicine
Hance Clarke: MD, PhD. Director, Transitional Pain Service, Toronto General Hospital. Staff Anesthesiologist, UHN. President, Canadian Pain Society

Tania Di Renna: MD, FRCPC. Medical Director, Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute. Associate Professor, University of Toronto Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine. President-elect, Canadian Pain Society
PJ Matras: RN, MN, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pain Management, PHC
Brenda Poulton: RN, MN, (retired NP), Co-Director BC Adaptive Mentorship Network, FH Clinical Lead RAC for Low Back Pain Pilot
Robert Beringer: DSocSci, Assistant Professor, School of Public Health and Social Policy, Faculty of Human and Social Development; University of Victoria. Research Fellow, Institute on Aging and Lifelong Health

Funding for this program was provided by Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada.

Managing Pain Before and After Surgery

Learning Outcomes

Frequently asked questions

What is the course format?

What is the timeline to complete courses?

How long does it take to complete the modules?

Is Managing Pain Before and After Surgery certified or accredited?

What topics are covered in the modules?

Do you have a course for experiencing pain before and after surgery?

Faculty and funding

Modules