School for Health, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
FH50126 Epidemiology and assessment |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Masters |
| Modular: no specific semester |
| Assessment: OT100 |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The aim of this introductory unit is to provide a clinical overview of the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders in primary care, the pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system and the clinical assessment of patients with musculoskeletal problems.
Learning Outcomes: Knowledge and Understanding After taking this unit the student should be able to: * critically evaluate knowledge of the epidemiology of musculoskeletal disorders presenting in a primary care setting * assess common rheumatic disorders with an appropriate history, examination and investigation in order to form working diagnosis and management plan * retrieve and use evidence based knowledge resources as a guide to best practice and to understand the principles of clinical audit. These learning outcomes will be taught and assessed. Skills: On completion of this unit students should be able to: * take a complete and comprehensive rheumatological history and carry out an appropriate examination. * use a rapid screening technique - gait, arms, legs, spine (GALS) * demonstrate the effective use of radiological and laboratory investigations in a primary care setting * plan and manage their learning through reflecting on and analysing their own learning needs. * integrate and critically evaluate information gathered from a wide range of resources including the unit resources, text books, journal articles, web pages and other online resources. An appreciation for a hierarchy of evidence should be displayed. * demonstrate effective communication with patients, colleagues and tutors including through asynchronous online discussions. These learning outcomes will be facilitated and some may be assessed. Content: * Epidemiology of musculo-skeletal disorders in primary care * Pathophysiology of the musculoskeletal system, outlining structure of bones and synovial joints and their contribution to the body's stability, support and movement * Access to evidence-based medicine. Research and audit in primary care, encouraging systematic methods and tools to improve clinical effectiveness This Unit is explored within a broad framework of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM) and practice. |