MSc Advanced Musculoskeletal Assessment and Practice

This module is delivered by distance learning, no university attendance is required. You will explore theoretical and practical issues in relation to the research process, with specific emphasis on research in the musculoskeletal specialism. You will develop the ability to understand and use relevant research literature, and acquire the skills you need to plan and carry out your own research. A defining feature of the module is that the research principles that are encountered will constantly be applied to real musculoskeletal clinical settings.

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This module is recommended for you if you are an experienced musculoskeletal clinician, e.g. physiotherapist, occupational therapist, nurse or general practitioner and are keen to expand your understanding of assessment tool. Components of the musculoskeletal assessment are evaluated in this module including the role of questions used, clinical examination techniques, imaging modalities and other investigations. This module is designed to enable you to undertake an advanced clinical assessment they may incorporate the use of diagnostic tools such as radiographic imaging and laboratory investigations.

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This module is aimed at Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) working within the Musculoskeletal (MSK) field (including Hand Therapy) wishing to gain a greater understanding of current concepts in upper limb rehabilitation. This module is appropriate for clinicians working in both primary, secondary, and tertiary care. The 'Multi-professional Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP) framework' was published in 2017 in response to ensure the long-term sustainability of the NHS. At the heart of this is development of a critical workforce role to deliver innovative models of care in a consistent way to ensuring safety, quality, and effectiveness. Core capabilities for health and care professionals are detailed in the framework, it is stated that: 'The language used to describe the capabilities is deliberately mapped to level 7 taxonomy to support and make clear the expectation that people working at this level are required to operate at master's level i.e. to have the ability to make sound judgements in the absence of full information and to manage varying levels of risk when there is complex, competing or ambiguous information or uncertainty.' AHPs are central to the assessment and management of MSK conditions, their professional development towards advanced practice level supported by higher education institutions is essential to fulfilment of this vision. The framework sets out 4 key pillars of practice, each with a set of capabilities, this module and its assessment strategies aim to support professionals to evidence achievement of capability within these pillars. Within the field of Hand Therapy educational routes to achievement of Accredited Hand Therapist qualification under the British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) and Advanced Practice in Hand Therapy include university-based masters modules. BAHT states: 'For a BAHT postgraduate education system to work and in order to increase the standing of Hand Therapyas a specialty in the United Kingdom we need to see more courses running.' This module will add to Hand Therapists level 7 learning enabling them to work towards Advanced Practice status and provide additional options to achieve points towards the Accredited Hand Therapist qualification. As most students are in full-time employment and located some distance to the University, this module enables remote study using e-learning technology, (Moodle) and remote tutorials via Zoom. The postgraduate musculoskeletal team at The University of Essex prioritises enabling study and minimising barriers; tutors will aim to be flexible with tutorial times and responsive to individual's clinical, professional, and personal circumstances.

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This course is aimed at experienced musculoskeletal practitioners, working at or towards Advanced Clinical Practitioners status. These clinicians who work in the field of musculoskeletal medicine will gain a greater understanding on the impact of medication on musculoskeletal rehabilitation. This module would be ideal for those working in primary, secondary and tertiary care and First Contact Practitioner roles. Physiotherapists and other AHP’s working in the UK will be expected to give advice about medication use in some capacity to their patients. The type of advice and support given to patients will vary dependent on their status as either a non-prescriber, supplementary or independent prescriber. Clinicians who give advice about medication should understand the legislative framework underpinning quality assurances as well as its impact on musculoskeletal health and its role in rehabilitation of musculoskeletal conditions. This module aims to support and develop critical thinking of practicing clinicians in understanding the impact of commonly prescribed medications on musculoskeletal health and its effects on rehabilitation. After completion of this course, students will have a grounded understanding of the impact of NSAID’s, analgesics and neuropathic pain medications on musculoskeletal tissue health and wider effects on rehabilitation. Students will also have increased knowledge and understanding of the legal and professional framework surrounding medicines legislation which will inform safe practice within their speciality. This module is suitable for Advanced Clinical Practitioners and First Contact Physiotherapists. The learning aligns with HEE’s Multiprofessional Advanced Clinical Practice Framework, A Roadmap to Practice and the Musculoskeletal Core Capability Framework (Domain C: Capability 8 Pharmacotherapy). As most students are in full-time employment and located some distance to the university, this module enables remote study using e-learning technology, (Moodle) and remote tutorials via Zoom. The postgraduate musculoskeletal team at The University of Essex prioritises enabling study and minimising barriers; tutors will aim to be flexible with tutorial times and responsive to individual’s clinical, professional, and personal circumstances. Applicants should have a relevant first degree OR a relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates the ability to study at Level 7. A minimum of 1-year post-registration experience. Current Registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) or equivalent (eg GMC for doctors and NMC for nurses).

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Dissertations offer the opportunity for in-depth study and analysis of a topic relevant to your Masters degree programme. They may take one of three general forms: • The collection and analysis of new data through primary research using quantitative and/or qualitative methods, or as part of a service evaluation or audit • New analysis of existing quantitative or qualitative data, i.e. secondary data analysis • An extended literature review, synthesis and in-depth analysis of a relevant policy or practice issue i.e. a library-based study You are supported by a supervisor throughout this module.

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