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School for Health, Unit Catalogue 2007/08


FH50133 Osteoporosis

Credits: 6
Level: Masters
Modular: no specific semester
Assessment: OT100
Requisites:
Aims: The aim of this Unit is to explore theories and practice of the epidemiology, classification and differentiating bone disease in a primary care setting.
Learning Outcomes:
Knowledge and Understanding
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* evaluate the risk factors for osteoporosis
* identify and manage patients at high risk of fractures
* Demonstrate appropriate and safe use of available osteoporosis treatments, including current guidelines
* Demonstrate awareness of symptoms and treatment of osteomalacia and Paget's disease
These learning outcomes will be taught and assessed.
Skills:
On completion of this unit students should be able to:
* identify patients at high fracture risk
* perform and interpret an appropriate set of investigations for possible bone disease in a primary care setting
* devise a management plan for patients with known osteoporosis or at increased risk of osteoporosis
* demonstrate the actions, indications and side-effects of available treatments for osteoporosis
* 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:

* Relevant epidemiology of osteoporosis and metabolic bone disorders, including osteomalacia and Paget's disease
* Pathogenesis and risk factors for bone disease
* Identifying people at high fracture risk
* Disease assessment including history, examination, and investigations including the role of x-rays and DXA scanning
* Guidelines for treatment and disease prevention.