Aim
The aim of the course is to give the student thorough knowledge and understanding of acute, subacute and intermittent musculoskeletal disorders; its pathology, individual complaints and clinical consequences. Current primary care management is outlined in scientific, professional and community perspectives.
Content
The current scientific platform for physiotherapeutic methods of assessment and treatment will be addressed. The scientific literature of physiotherapy management of musculoskeletal disorders will be critically analyzed in an evidence-based perspective and related to other common treatments. The competence and boundaries associated with the physiotherapist role in musculoskeletal pain management in primary care.
Knowledge
After completing the course, the students will:
- have specialized knowledge about common musculoskeletal disorders presentation, etiology and their management
- have thorough knowledge about the evidence-based model for evaluating quality of the scientific literature regarding examinations and treatments used by physiotherapists
- be able to use their knowledge in new professional contexts
- have knowledge about diagnose-specific principles of training and factors affecting compliance in common musculoskeletal disorders
- have knowledge about the peripheral and central pathophysiology of pain and possible avenues for treatment by pharmacological and physiotherapeutic interventions
- have knowledge about how musculoskeletal treatment guidelines are developed in the context of balancing between scientific, professional and financial perspectives.
Skills
After completing the course, the students will:
- be able to analyze scientific studies examining the effect of physiotherapy interventions in common musculoskeletal disorders.
- be able to critically review the sources of information on musculoskeletal treatment effects and how they may be affected by confounding factors like professional preferences and financial conflicts of interest
General skills
After completing the course, the students should be able to:
- assess the quality and power of scientific evidence behind any treatment for musculoskeletal disorders
- evaluate and discuss physiotherapy relevance against other approaches and treatments in areas of musculoskeletal disorders management.
- identify gaps in the scientific literature where more knowledge is needed
One written assignment
Internal examiner
Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care
e-mail: studie@igs.uib.no
Course coordinator: Ingvill Fjell Naterstad
http://www.uib.no/en/persons/Ingvill.Naterstad