Online Microcredential in Healthcare & Medicine

Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Medicine (Pain Management)

Enhance your healthcare career with the application of Chinese and Western medicine to create a tangible impact on pain patients.

Created by

HKU School of Professional and Continuing EducationHKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

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Co-created by

Hong Kong Pain SocietyHong Kong Pain Society

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Explore practices of pain management by bridging Chinese and Western medicine

Causes of pain are usually complex. Proper diagnosis and treatment is challenging and has become a topic of concern within the global medical community. In today’s healthcare landscape, the integration of Chinese and Western medicine has gained recognition for its ability to address pain management comprehensively. By merging the strengths of both systems, practitioners can offer patients a broader range of treatment options, enhanced diagnostic insights, and a more personalised approach to pain management. This course highlights the importance of integrating these medical traditions to optimise patient outcomes and improve overall wellbeing.

This comprehensive course offers a unique opportunity to delve into the multi-dimensional approach of combining these two medical systems. This helps provide holistic care for individuals experiencing pain disorders. You will also gain a deep understanding of integrated pain management practices in China and explore the benefits, principles, and techniques that arise from this synergistic approach.

You’ll be guided by teachers who possess a wealth of practice and research experiences from both Chinese and Western medicine. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to advance in your career with your understanding of integrative pain management.

Understand the study and management of pain in Western medicine

Pain is influenced by both physiological and psychological factors, complicating its diagnosis and treatment.

On this microcredential, you’ll explore how we feel pain, and how it impacts us. Experts will also guide you in covering the pain assessment process and pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches in various speciality domains.

Gain a comprehensive introduction to the principles of pain management in Chinese medicine

With a basic understanding of Western medicine practice, you’ll explore the fundamental concepts of Yin-Yang theory, Five Elements theory and the role of Qi in pain management. Specifically, you’ll learn the core diagnosis and how Chinese medicine methods of treatments like acupuncture, Tuina, and compound formulae tackle pain.

Compare diagnosis and treatment in different pain conditions

With a strong foundation of knowledge in Chinese and Western medicine, you’ll compare diagnosis and treatment options between these two disciplines for conditions such as headaches, neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, and more.

Understand the importance of cooperation between Chinese and Western medicines

Integrative Medicine embraces a holistic perspective, recognising the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and energetic aspects of health. This course highlights the importance of treating the whole person rather than solely focusing on symptoms. You’ll explore the principles and philosophies that underpin Chinese and Western medicine and learn how to integrate them seamlessly into their clinical practice. Understand the holistic approach of Chinese medicine and how it complements the reductionist approach of Western medicine.

Gain an understanding of integrated pain management practice in China

Guided by medicinal experts, you’ll gain insights into the unique approaches and techniques used in China. Discover how the integration of Chinese and Western medicine has shaped the field of pain management in China and its relevance in a global context.

Learn from the experts at HKU SPACE

Throughout the microcredential, you’ll be guided by specialists from HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education (HKU SPACE) and the Hong Kong Pain Society. With their expertise, you’ll complete this advanced study of pain and gain accreditation to certify your skills in integrative pain management. Through case studies and interactive discussions, you’ll gain insights into the diverse perspectives and treatment modalities available within an integrative framework.

How will this help my career?

This microcredential will help you upskill and advance your knowledge to apply to different medical specialities. You’ll add valuable expertise to your work as you gain skills in pain diagnosis, assessment, and pain management with both Western and Chinese medicine.

As a healthcare professional, you can gain a broader understanding of the roles and contributions of different healthcare professionals in the field of pain management and learn how to work together as a team to optimise patient care.

What will I receive?

Upon successful completion of the microcredential, you’ll be awarded with a Postgraduate Certificate in Integrative Medicine (Pain Management) within the HKU System through HKU SPACE.

Chinese medicine practitioners registered in Hong Kong who have completed this programme can obtain no more than 100 points of Continuing Education in Chinese Medicine (CME).

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed during each module of the microcredential to help cement your learning. This will be in the form of:

  1. Quiz (30%)
  2. Reading report (30%)
  3. Online discussion (P/F)
  4. Examination (40%)

A completion rate of 70% for each module is required. You also need scores of 50 or above in the quiz, reading, and examination, and achieve a pass in the discussion assessment in each module.

Download video: standard or HD

Skip to 0 minutes and 11 seconds Have you ever wondered why herbal medicine or acupuncture in Chinese medicine can provide effective pain relief? And how do these practices compliment the conventional methods used in Western medicine? Pain profoundly affects our physical and emotional wellbeing. Traditional approaches to pain management often fall short in providing lasting relief. Integrative medicine combines ancient Chinese wisdom with modern advancements achieving optimal results. It addresses symptoms and underlying causes, fostering comprehensive healing. Are you a healthcare professional seeking to enhance patient care? Our comprehensive pain management programme emphasises integrative medicine, covering theoretical foundations, assessments and treatments of pain conditions. Deepen your knowledge in Western medicine’s pathology, epidemiology, and pain assessments, while expanding your understanding of Chinese medicine principles and practices.

Skip to 1 minute and 8 seconds Gain integrated knowledge to make a lasting difference in healthcare services. Our Postgraduate Certificate programme offers valuable professional development material designed with esteemed medical practitioners. Gain invaluable knowledge and skills for immediate application in your practice. You can study conveniently online, balancing your professional obligations at your own pace. Join our programme and become part of a global community of healthcare professionals passionate about integrative medicine. Our interactive platform connects you with regional experts and industry professionals, fostering an exchange of ideas and experiences. Enhance your professional skills and create a tangible impact on patients’ lives. Embark on a transformative journey to a brighter pain-free future.

What skills will you learn?

  • Pain management
  • Integrative pain management
  • Research Analysis
  • Diagnosis and treatment techniques

What you will achieve

By the end of the microcredential, you’ll be able to...

  • Evaluate Western medicine’s perspective on pain physiology and pathology, pain management, application of medicine and nonpharmacological management
  • Evaluate Chinese medicine’s perspective and theories on pain causes, and how it treats acute and chronic pain
  • Investigate the diagnosis and management of common clinical pain disorders in both Chinese and Western medicine
  • Assess the prospects of collaboration in pain management between Chinese and Western medicine

Are you eligible for this microcredential?

To be eligible for this microcredential, you must have a bachelor’s degree in Western medicine, Chinese medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pharmacology, or clinical psychology. Proof of English proficiency is required through one of these: *IELTS (overall 6.0+, no subtests below 5.5); or *TOEFL (paper-based 550+, computer-based 213+, internet-based 80+),or *HKALE Use of English (Grade E+); or *HKDSE English Language (Level 2+); or *Equivalent qualifications. Applicants with clinical experience in pain management are prioritised.

Is this microcredential right for you?

This microcredential is designed for medical professionals seeking to enhance their expertise in clinical pain management and elevate the overall quality of patient care.

Syllabus

What happens before, during, and after your microcredential

  • Before learning

    To help prepare you for this microcredential, you can take our (free taster short course)[https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/integrative-pain-management-chinese-medicine-and-western-medicine] here which will introduce you to the basic concepts and topics.

  • Course 1

    From 11 Nov 2024

    Clinical Basis in Western Medicine

    Unveil the key aspects of pain assessment and effective treatment strategies in Western medicine.

    8 weeks

    16 hours per week

  • Course 2

    From 13 Jan 2025

    Pain from Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

    Delve into traditional Chinese medicine to discover how it can be used to improve pain treatment.

    7 weeks

    16 hours per week

  • Course 3

    From 10 Mar 2025

    Pain Disorders: Diagnosis and Management

    Unpack different pain disorders to understand how to best diagnose and treat pain.

    7 weeks

    16 hours per week

  • Course 4

    From 28 Apr 2025

    Pain in Integrative Medicine

    Unlock the synergy of integrative medicine by blending the best of Chinese and Western medical approaches.

    2 weeks

    16 hours per week

What you will receive

30 HKQF Credits at Postgraduate level from HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

Find out how credits work and where you can use them in our FAQs.

What is a microcredential?

Microcredentials are designed to upskill you for work in rapidly-growing industries, without the time and cost commitment of a full degree. Your microcredential can stand alone as an independent credential, and some also offer academic credit to use towards a degree.

Learn online with expert instructors

Complete online courses led by experts over multiple weeks with a dedicated group of professionals.

Complete project-based assessments

Test your understanding with online tutor-marked assessments and exercises.

Earn a professional credential

Finish your learning and pass your assessments to gain an accredited credential.

Advance further in your career

Use your microcredential as evidence of your specialised skills and progress further in your industry.

Career-focused learning by HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education

In fulfilling the mission of The University of Hong Kong in extending lifelong learning opportunities for the community, HKU SPACE aspires to be a world-class centre of excellence.

Career-focused learning by Hong Kong Pain Society

The Hong Kong Pain Society is a multidisciplinary society with representations from different medical specialties and healthcare disciplines.

Delivered by experts

Dr TUNG Shong Jenny is Associate Head of College of Life Sciences and Technology, HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.

Dr ZHOU Jiefang is an Honorary Associate Professor at the HKU School of Professional and Continuing Education.

Dr Steven Wong is the President of The Hong Kong Pain Society. He is the Consultant Anaesthesiologist of the Department of Anaesthesiology at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong.

Consultant Anaesthesiologist & Director of Pain Management Centre of Kwong Wah Hospital.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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When would you like to start?

Enrolment for this microcredential is closed. We aim to run our microcredentials every few months. Register to find out more about this microcredential and future start dates.

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    FAQ

    We can accept payments made by card (Visa, Mastercard and American Express) or PayPal via our online system.

    You will have 14 days from the day the course starts to apply for a refund. If this Microcredential has any non-refundable costs they will be stated in the ‘Overview’ section above. You can find more information in our cancellation and refund policy.

    Microcredentials are designed to fit around your life and timezone.

    There may be live events as part of your studies, but these will be recorded and can be watched afterwards if you aren’t online for the live broadcast.

    No, microcredentials are designed to be taken anywhere in the world. You won’t need the right to study in the country where the university offering the microcredential is based.

    Want to know more? Read the microcredential FAQs, or contact us.