Skill Extension for Musculoskeletal Injection Practitioners – Ultrasound Guidance

This module would be appropriate for you as a health care practitioner who has had a basic introduction to musculoskeletal ultrasound. By "practitioner" you could be an experienced physiotherapist, rheumatologist or general practitioner with a special interest in musculoskeletal medicine, for example.

This module aims to develop your knowledge, practical use and clinical application of ultrasound guided musculoskeletal injections.

The potential clinical role of ultrasound guided musculoskeletal injections is evident as clinicians want to guarantee the site of injection and provide evidence of needle placement.

The clinical application may vary between professionals but many experienced musculoskeletal professionals seek training in this practical skill.

The module is delivered over one weekend. You are expected to attend both study days and are also required to submit your portfolio as directed.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this module you would be expected to be able to:

• integrate musculoskeletal ultrasound skills with injection therapy in the work place
• understand the theoretical and scientific principles that underpin the integration of these modalities
• evaluate the current evidence base regarding the efficacy of ultrasound guided injection therapy
• evaluate the role of ultrasound guided injections within their professional environment

Our expert staff

This module is delivered over one weekend and is led by Sue Innes. Module material has been contributed by several professionals including:

• Mark Maybury - extended scope practitioner, physiotherapist and sonographer
• Gordon Lumsdon - extended scope practitioner, physiotherapist and sonographer
• Dr S Perera - Consultant Radiologist, Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

You may apply for the module, provided you:

• have formal training in ultrasonography, this will have included musculoskeletal elements and competency assessment
• have prior experience of soft tissue and joint injection therapy
• are employed in a professional environment that enables you to complete the work based practice elements

PLUS, you have:

• a relevant first degree; OR relevant professional experience or qualifications that demonstrates ability to study at level seven
• a minimum of three years post-registration experience
• current registration with the relevant UK or equivalent professional body: HCPC or equivalent registration, e.g. in case of doctors (GMC) and nurses (NMC).

English language requirements

If English is not your first language we require an IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL score of 450/200.

If you do not meet our IELTS requirements then you may be able to complete a pre-sessional English pathway that enables you to start your course without retaking IELTS.

Module Outline

Outline

• Theoretical considerations relevant to musculoskeletal ultrasound guided interventions
• Clinical governance and quality assurance issues
• Practical scanning and injection protocol teaching and supervised practice
• Evidence based application of ultrasound guided intervention to musculoskeletal presentations

The module material will include theoretical considerations of ultrasound guided musculoskeletal interventions and discussions regarding their role in clinical practice. Professional issues will be discussed including the impact of these interventions on patient focused care and potential future developments. The practical elements will be taught with the assistance of phantoms to simulate clinical practice with time for supervised practice.

This module's delivery reflects the practical but varied nature of musculoskeletal ultrasound guided interventions. A significant proportion of the learning will take place in your work place so the clinical application of ultrasound guided injections can be explored. Learning in the work place ensures the reality of clinical scenarios and professional responsibilities are considered alongside technical issues.

Lectures

Lectures will present theoretical and professional issues and will include:

• Ultrasound Guided Musculoskeletal Injections - what is their role?
• Technical considerations: Knobology, image optimisation and needle visualisation
• Scope of practice and competency to carry out ultrasound (US) guided injections. Medico-legal and Health & Safety issues.

Independent learning

You will need to practice your scanning techniques independently and will need support in the work place to complete the module assessment.

Placement

There is no formal placement requirement but you will need to complete musculoskeletal interventions in the work place as part of your assessment. Whilst this is not formally supervised, all clinical interventions should initially be performed under supervision. Work place supervisors do not need to complete any documentation as the module's assessment process provides evidence of the intervention and learning process.

Online

The module teaching material will be available to all registered students via the universities intranet learning platform, Moodle.

Tutorials

There are no timetabled tutorials, you are encouraged to email the module leader for learning support if required.

Skills

There will be an emphasis in practical skill teaching, sessions will include principles of ultrasound guided injections so you are introduced to the skill of needle visualisation before moving onto regionally specific and pathology specific training.

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision for you. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities as described on our website. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to significant disruption, or in response to COVID-19, we’ll let our applicants and students know as soon as possible.

Assessment strategy

A case study discussing the theoretical and professional issues that underpin the application of ultrasound guided musculoskeletal injections (limit 2000 words - 50% weighting).

Log-book that presents 5 ultrasound guided injections in the work place. This is a standard reporting form to document the details of the intervention, patient’s signs and symptoms, anatomical area, US scanning features indicative of pathology, injection medication dose and needle placement. A brief reflection on the procedure including challenges and unexpected considerations will be expected. Each intervention must be accompanied by annotated images of the area scanned and an additional image demonstrating needle placement (50% weighting).

• Fees for 2024-25 (.PDF).

If you have any questions about the module fees please email msk@essex.ac.uk.

In the first instance approach your Education Liaison Manager to see if funding can be secured via the organisation you are working for.

To apply for an individual module please complete the module application form (.docx) and email to msk@essex.ac.uk for the attention of Sophie Young.