Understanding and Managing Complex Musculoskeletal Conditions

This module aims to explore the value and relationship between each component of a patient assessment and how appropriate timing and choices are made regarding assessment tools and treatment pathways utilised.

The module is designed to enhance clinical competency and facilitate clinicians’ professional development.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal pathologies.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of musculoskeletal assessment and diagnostic skills in the management of complex musculoskeletal conditions.
• Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning skills to evaluate choice of assessment/diagnostic investigations and treatment choices.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and application of the biopsychosocial approach to assessing and managing patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions.
• Understand the requirement for application of evidence based practice, reflective practice and CPD.
• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the role of the multidisciplinary team in managing this group of patients.
• Demonstrate understanding of professional limitations and appropriate referral pathways.

• A relevant first degree OR a relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates ability to study at Level 7.
• A minimum of 1 year post-registration experience.
• Current Registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body.
• HCPC (UK), AHPRA or ASA (Australia) or equivalent registration e.g. in case of UK doctors (GMC) and nurses (NMC).

Module Outline

Overview

The module consists of five online tuition sessions prepared and facilitated by the module lead. The module content is entirely self-directed using Moodle. The module leader will be available to answer queries via e-mail.

Independent

Students are expected to complete study independently.

Placement

Students will be registered with their appropriate professional body. They will be practicing clinicians within the field of musculoskeletal medicine.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

Details of the assessment components and learning outcomes will be published on Moodle separately. A summary is provided below, there are two elements:

• A reflective account which evaluates the tasks completed throughout the module (1000 words), weighting: 50%.
• One case study (2000 words), weighting: 50%.

Students are permitted to submit a maximum 500 word draft of part of their case study for formative feedback. This must be submitted using FASER. Please refer to the postgraduate handbook for more information on the requirements for seeking feedback. A formative feedback form must be completed and submitted with the draft.

Submission via FASER

Feedback on all coursework will be available to students within four weeks of submission. Each assessment must be passed to a minimum of 50%. The final mark will be a combined mark of all the assessment components. A fail in any part will result in a fail overall. A failed component will need to be resubmitted and the mark will be capped at 50%.

All components must be passed to obtain and overall pass for the module.

• Fees for 2023-24 (.PDF).

• Fees for 2024-25 (.PDF).

If you have any questions about the module fees please email msk@essex.ac.uk.

In the first instance approach your Education Liaison Manager to see if funding can be secured via the organisation you are working for.

To apply for an individual module please complete the module application form (.docx) and email to msk@essex.ac.uk for the attention of Sophie Young.