This 20-credit module is designed to advance students knowledge and practical skills required to plan and conduct an assessment and implement a management plan for patients with musculoskeletal conditions encountered in contemporary physiotherapy practice. The module addresses the four pillars of physiotherapy practice: Clinical, Education, Leadership and Research. Students will have the opportunity to develop their theoretical knowledge and understanding of the pathologies related to musculoskeletal practice and the supporting evidence based practice. They will develop specific skills and knowledge in relation to completing individually tailored subjective and objective assessment based on advancing clinical reasoning skills. Students will also have the opportunity implement advanced, innovative management strategies for patients based on current evidence. The learning and teaching strategy for this module uses a combination of self-directed study, electures, case based scenarios developed by service users, tutorials and practical classes employing a blended learning approach with a mix of online and face-to-face teaching. Theoretical content will be delivered by electures but tutorials will support this material and assist the student with their understanding. Practical sessions will give students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills under the supervision of experienced physiotherapists developing practical skills in relation to assessment and management. Theory and practical skills will be put into practice by undertaking a 5 week practice placement which will count towards the 1000 hours of practice placement mandated by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy for accreditation.
Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed by a 1,500 evaluation of a patient case study and a 30 minute practical assessment providing the opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical skills and theoretical / evidenced based knowledge in relation to their practice. The practice placement is a pass/fail component and must be passed.