2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SPSC5335M Rheumatology, spine and chronic pain

30 Credits Class Size: 50

Module manager: Dr Camilla Nykjaer
Email: C.Nykjaer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 Mar to 30 Jun View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

Open to students with degrees in medicine, physiotherapy, sports therapy, sports rehabilitation/training, podiatry, osteopathy, or other allied healthcare professions. Appropriate professional registration should also be held with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers. Applicants without professional registration with the GMC, Health and Care Professions Council, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy or British Association of Sport Rehabilitators and Trainers are required to have at least one year of relevant post-graduation clinical experience.

Pre-requisites

SPSC5331M MSK Issues of the U & L Limbs

Module replaces

SPSC5332M and SPSC5333M

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

The risk of MSK problems increases with age, and physical activity. This module provides essential background information needed to recognise and treat both acute and chronic spinal conditions, recognise features of rheumatological disease and aspects of chronic pain along with their appropriate management at the Primary Care level.

Objectives

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

- recognise common musculoskeletal pathologies affecting the spine;

- recognise features of rheumatological disease and chronic pain;

- take a history, assess and recognise management strategies for common musculoskeletal injuries;

- gain experience in time management, self-directed learning, and on-line resource access;

- gain experience in effective working practices for teams in a clinical setting, report writing and individual presentation.

Learning outcomes

On completion of the module students should have provided evidence of being able to:

1. Identify the key anatomical structures relating to common acute and chronic pathologies of the spine;

2. Discuss common spinal conditions and their Primary Care management;

3. Explain the clinical features suggestive of rheumatological conditions from patient history and examination;

4. Discuss the core investigations and Primary Care management of rheumatological conditions and when to refer to Secondary Care;

5. Critique the concept of central pain sensitisation and its presentation in MSK medicine;

6. Explain consultation models and the MDT approach and identify the key disciplines that underpin MSK practice.

Skills outcomes

Anatomical knowledge, physiotherapy practice, evaluation and management of common conditions.

Syllabus

Part A: The Spine and Chronic Pain

- Lumber Spine

- Chronic Pain


Part B: Rheumatology, Metabolic Bone Disease

- MSK related Rheumatological conditions

- Metabolic Bone Diseases

- Blood tests

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lectures 6 4 24
seminars 4 1 4
Practicals 1 2 2
Independent online learning hours 270
Private study hours 0
Total Contact hours 30
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 300

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

A member of the academic or clinical teaching staff will be allocated as tutor to the group, and will meet with students in live online seminars to assess progress, discuss issues arising, and set objectives for the next study period.

Students will have the opportunity to self-assess progress by means of formative MCQ assessments at strategic points in the module, based on suggested reading material and on-line resources available.

Methods of Assessment

Coursework
Assessment type Notes % of formal assessment
In-course MCQ Online 1 hr MCQ test with 20 questions based on conditions identified 20
Poster Presentation 10 minutes individual poster presentation 20
Reflective log Reflective log of MSK case studies (spine and pain) 30
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) 70

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams
Exam type Exam duration % of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment 24.0 Hrs 0 Mins 30
Total percentage (Assessment Exams) 30

- The Online Time-Limited assessment will take place at the end of semester 2. - Short answer question (max 1,000 words) – 24hrs to complete.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 29/04/2024

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team