Contemporary Practices in Injection Therapy (Lower Limb)

This course will examine and evaluate the theoretical principles underpinning contemporary practices in injection therapy, with an emphasis on the use of corticosteroids and local anaesthetic. Emphasis will be on pharmacology, patient selection and the application of injection therapy for patients with lower limb benign musculoskeletal disorders. The conceptual basis of the therapy will be explored and a review of the literature undertaken based on documented research evidence. The practical focus will be on the enhancement and development of psychomotor, communication and presentation skills.

Knowledge and understanding

• Discuss the evidence for injection therapy in the management of lower limb MSK disorders
• Explain the pharmacology of drugs commonly used in injection therapy
• State the indications, contra-indications and side effects of injection therapy
• Understand and interpret examination findings of patients presenting with lower limb musculoskeletal disorders, in the selection of injection therapy as a preferred treatment option
• Clearly define the appropriate aftercare for patients receiving injection therapy

Intellectual skills

• Demonstrate advanced clinical reasoning through a synthesis of practical, theoretical and experiential learning
• Critically evaluate accepted theories and practice surrounding injection therapy
• Reflect on, and evaluate, one’s own abilities and the impact of the course on clinical practice
• Analyse and interpret research findings in the management of patients, with lower limb musculoskeletal dysfunction, with injection therapy

Professional practice skills

• Administer lower limb corticosteroid and local anaesthetic peripheral intra- and extra-articular injections safely and effectively
• Perform joint aspiration safely and effectively
• Be able to manage side effects of injection therapy safely and effectively
• Communicate using written, verbal and non-verbal modes; Use information technology to identify and access information.

Transferrable key skills

• Demonstrate time management and workload planning
• Use information technology to search for relevant literature, source information and prepare presentations
• Demonstrate the application of a variety of communication skills eg patient interaction, presentations, written reports
• Display skills of critical analysis, problem solving and reflective practice

The course offers a range of teaching methods including clinical skills, lecture engagement (live streamed and recorded sessions), on-line seminars, guided on-line study and on-line tutorials.

Total student activity: 200 hours

4, 5, 11, 12, 19 October 2021
28, February 2022
1, 7, 8, 15 March 2022