Overview

For nurses and allied health care professionals wishing to develop their knowledge and skills in the management of patients with rheumatological disorders.

Module aims

To provide the student with an academic challenge and a forum for multidisciplinary peer group discussion. By the end of the module the student will be able to:

• Critically evaluate interprofessional working within rheumatology
• Demonstrate expertise in the assessment of patients with a musculoskeletal problem
• Evaluate different methods of patient education
• Critically examine how communication may enable patients to take an active part in their care
• Demonstrate knowledge of drug therapy in the management of patients with arthritis
• Evaluate the role of surgery in the management of patients with arthritis
• Evaluate pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods of pain management

Entry requirements

• Current professional registration
• Successful completion of module: Introduction to Arthritis and Allied Conditions Experience of routine management of patients with rheumatological conditions (minimum 6 months)

Module content

The course requires completion of a single module with the following content:

• Models of interprofessional working
• Patient assessment including measuring disease activity and response to treatment using outcome measures.
• Critical appraisal, research and clinical trials in rheumatology
• Patient education and the expert patient
• Communication skills
• Drug therapy
• Anatomy of the musculoskeletal system
• Role of surgery
• Pain management; pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment
• Diet and arthritis
• Hydrotherapy

Teaching and assessment

This course is delivered online, using a blended approach of synchronous and asynchronous teaching.

The principal learning and teaching methods used in the module may include:

• Lectures, seminars and workshops: The core of each module delivery mode is a series of tutor-led or group-led seminars or workshops.
• Web-based learning using the Keele Learning Environment (KLE), Blackboard.
• Group work and peer support. All modules use focused group work and class discussion
• Directed independent study. Most of the study hours for each module comprise independent learning by expecting participants to add depth and breadth to their knowledge of topics, to practice skills and to reflect on critical incidents and their practice.