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DRPS : Course Catalogue : Deanery of Clinical Sciences : Pain Management

Postgraduate Course: Veterinary Musculoskeletal Pain (Small Animal) (PAMA11076)

Course Outline
SchoolDeanery of Clinical Sciences CollegeCollege of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate)
Course typeOnline Distance Learning AvailabilityAvailable to all students
SCQF Credits20 ECTS Credits10
SummaryMusculoskeletal pain is a common presenting problem in small animal veterinary practice. The development of veterinary licensed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) enabled practitioners to offer safe and effective treatment for managing musculoskeletal pain. However, many dogs and cats with musculoskeletal pain and treated with NSAIDs, experience little or no pain relief.

This course gives students the opportunity to develop their understanding of the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal pain generating mechanisms, recognising pain and constructing a rational approach to pain management.
Course description This course aims to provide you with an opportunity to build on the information provided in the core courses of study to examine in more depth veterinary musculoskeletal pain in small animals. It also enables you to apply your knowledge to various musculoskeletal conditions and situations and develop a deeper understanding of associated issues in relation to musculoskeletal pain management.

This course is structured to develop your understanding of small animal musculoskeletal pain and is divided into two distinct sections:

Section 1. A recommended reading list provides an introduction to the current understanding of concepts concerning pain generating mechanisms involved in osteoarthritis (OA) and the pharmacological management of OA-related pain. Questions will be posted on the Discussion Board and, in a group exercise, students are expected to contribute to the discussion. This discussion will explore further the concepts outlined in the recommended readings and from students own research.

Section 2. This section uses five short case studies, describing clinical presentations commonly encountered in veterinary practice. These case studies address key aspects of veterinary musculoskeletal pain management. Each student is allocated a case to facilitate and lead the discussion, over a two-week period, to achieve specific learning objectives. The five cases within the course include:
Elbow dysplasia
Panosteitis
Osteoarthritis involving multiple joints
Intervertebral disc disease
Osteosarcoma

This is a 10-week distance learning course worth 20 credits. Students are expected to spend 20 hours per week on this course. Students will be given a brief overview of the course and will then be provided with relevant materials and resources. Specific tasks and online exercises relating to each weeks topic will be set. A final submitted assessment will be required for the course.

This is an elective course and may not be available every academic year. This will be subject to student numbers and availability of academic staff.


Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites It is RECOMMENDED that students have passed Pain - A Multidimensional Phenomenon (PAMA11067) AND Assessment, Measurement and the Multidisciplinary Approach (PAMA11054) AND Neuroanatomy and Neurophysiology and its Relevance to Pain Management (PAMA11055) AND Understanding the Pharmacological Management of Pain (PAMA11068) AND Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Pain Management (PAMA11057) AND Introduction to Pain Management in Practice (PAMA11070)
Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesThe minimum entry requirement is a UK 2:1 undergraduate degree, or its international equivalent in a relevant discipline. Relevant disciplines include: medicine; nursing; dentistry; psychology; occupational therapy; physiotherapy; pharmacology; osteopathy; other allied health care profession involved in the management of pain.

Applications from those with non-university professional qualifications such as RGN with appropriate clinical experience will be considered on an individual basis.

Where applicable, you will also be required to meet any language requirements in accordance with the University's regulations.
High Demand Course? Yes
Course Delivery Information
Not being delivered
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  1. You will be expected to have a better understanding of the pathophysiology of musculoskeletal diseases affecting veterinary small animal species and the pain generating mechanisms involved.
  2. You will be expected to have a better understanding of the influence of biobehavioural contributors to animals' pain experience
  3. You will be expected to have a better understanding of the use of validated pain assessment tools
  4. You will be expected to have a better understanding of the role of comorbidities in complicating therapeutic management
  5. You will be expected to have a better understanding of the pharmacology of pain-relieving medicines and their implementation in a rational, multimodal approach to musculoskeletal pain management
Reading List
None
Additional Information
Graduate Attributes and Skills During the course students will have to demonstrate the ability to work both independently and collaboratively with others. Their knowledge and understanding of the topic will improve but they will also learn generic approaches/skills. As the course is distance learning, it will contribute to their IT, writing and communication skills which can be applied to both clinical and academic environments. Finally, they will be expected to be able to bring together and draw from the information provided through the course during their assignment writing. Competences such as structuring of work and accurate referencing should also improve.

GENERIC COGNITIVE SKILLS: the ability to apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to forefront issues and developments, develop original and creative responses to problems and issues, critically review, consolidate and extend knowledge, skills, practices and thinking, deal with complex issues and make informed judgements in situations in the absence of complete or consistent data/information.

COMMUNICATION, IT AND NUMERACY SKILLS: use a wide range of routine skills and a range of advanced and specialised skills such as communication with peers, more senior colleagues and specialists, evaluation of a wide range of numerical and geographical data

AUTONOMY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND WORKING WITH OTHERS: exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in professional and equivalent activities, work in a peer relationship with specialist practitioners, demonstrate leadership and/or initiative and make an identifiable contribution to change and development and/or new thinking, manage complex ethical and professional issues
KeywordsNot entered
Contacts
Course organiserDr Sarah Henderson
Tel: 0131 242 6130
Email: Sarah.Henderson@ed.ac.uk
Course secretaryMs Ewelina Skala
Tel: (0131 5)37 1000
Email: eskala2@exseed.ed.ac.uk
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