Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding for the assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions including the lumbar spine, pelvis and persistent pain using a biopsychosocial framework.
The course will provide students with knowledge and understanding for the assessment and management of the patientﾠwith musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis using a biopsychosocial approach in addition to managing individuals with persistent musculoskeletal pain more broadly.
Learningﾠactivities and assessment throughout the course are aimed to specifically build confidence and competence in being able to effectively manage musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis within a framework of evidence based practice.
The course has a focus on the clinical reasoning process in the assessment and diagnosis of conditions, and physiotherapy management options. Students will develop the communication and practical skills needed to assess a patient with a low back and/or pelvic pain condition competently and safely. They will be able to effectively and safely manageﾠpatients with lumbar spine and pelvic musculoskeletal conditions, to evaluate outcomes as well as develop interventions including exercise, manual therapy, patient education and self-management and this will extend to persistent pain more broadly. Students will be able to contribute actively in practical classes using case based learning and group activities. The multidisciplinary nature of care of managingﾠconditions will be discussed and the physiotherapist’s role and responsibilities in the health care team as well as other professionalsﾠwill be explored. Students will also be informed consumers and analysers of literature pertaining to the broad topic of musculoskeletal low back and pelvic conditions and persistent pain.ﾠ
Course requirements
Assumed background
It is assumed that students have knowledge from allﾠcourses previously completed in the program up to Semester 2.
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
PHTY7811, PHTY7815
Restrictions
MPhtySt
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Damo McClymont
Mr Mark Stokes
Miss Sarah Wilesmith
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Aims and outcomes
The purpose of the course is to develop the student’s ability to:
1. Research, identify, and describe the biopsychosocial foundations of lumbar spine and pelvic conditions.
2. Develop a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment approach for musculoskeletal presentations of the lumbar spine and pelvis.
3. Enhance communication skills for effective interactions with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals.
4. Develop critical thinking within the clinical reasoning process, including the interpretation and analysis of assessment findings for the effective evaluation and treatment of lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions.
5. Generate hypotheses for lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions to identify those that are outside the scope of physiotherapy management or require multidisciplinary management.
6. Use shared decision making and clinical reasoning to select appropriate interventions for lumbar spine, pelvic and persistent pain conditions.
7. Apply patient education, self-management, manual and manipulative therapy, and exercise therapy for those with lumbar, pelvic, and persistent pain conditions.
8. Understand and operate within an evidence-based framework of healthcare, emphasising accountability and responsibility to clients and the healthcare team.
9. Develop skills necessary for lifelong learning, including the critical appraisal of new management methods and the ability to integrate research-based practices into physiotherapy management plans.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate knowledge of the biopsychosocial factors underpinning musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and persistent pain conditions.
LO2.
Understand the scope of medical investigations, diagnosis, and management of musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine, pelvis, and persistent pain.
LO3.
Communicate effectively and apply clinical reasoning in the physiotherapy assessment of patients with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and those with persistent pain.
LO4.
Identify and evaluate approaches suitable for planning the management of clients with musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
LO5.
Apply physiotherapy techniques specifically related to the management of lumbar spine and pelvic musculoskeletal conditions and management of persistent pain.
LO6.
Understand the role of physiotherapists in the multidisciplinary management of musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
LO7.
Critically analyse and utilise research and other media related to musculoskeletal conditions of the lumbar spine and pelvis and persistent pain.
LO8.
GEMS IPCP Module 1 Learning Objective: Recognise and reflect on interprofessional practice skills including role clarification, team functioning, interprofessional communication, and client-centred care.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
|
Pass/Fail, must pass |
2/08/2024 5:00 pm |
| Examination |
In-Semester Theory Exam
|
25% Must Pass |
2/09/2024 |
| Performance, Project, Role play/ Simulation |
Patient management task
|
10% Must Pass |
23/09/2024 9:00 am |
| Examination |
End of Semester Theory Exam
|
30% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
| Examination |
End of Semester Case Based Practical Examination
|
35% Must Pass |
End of Semester Exam Period 2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
GEMS IPCP Curriculum Assessment
- Hurdle
- Team or group-based
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- Pass/Fail, must pass
- Due date
2/08/2024 5:00 pm
Task description
The assessment will be completed in the tutorial class on 26th July.
This is a team assessment and all team members are expected to contribute equally to the team’s assessment items during the tutorial. Teams will be assigned prior to the tutorial. There are two (2) parts to this assessment both based upon a client video that your team will choose during the tutorial class.
Part one requires you to complete a worksheet and will draw on the online and face-to-face content of the GEMS IPCP module one, focusing on role-clarification and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet.
Part two requires you to complete a table and will draw on the on the online and face-to-face content of the GEMS IPCP module one, focusing on interprofessional communication, team functioning and client-centred care.
Length: There is no word limit for the worksheet
Teams will need to submit both assessment pieces in the Assessment tab on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site prior to the end of the tutorial class. Additional information regarding submission will be provided on the IPCP Learn.UQ course site.
Please refer to the assessment information on Learn.UQ for further details and requirements for the assessment.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Submission:
Online submission via Blackboard.
The IPCP module is a Pass/Fail assessment task. Students who pass the module will receive a course grade based on the remaining assessment in the course.
- Students who are unable to attend the module because they are away from Brisbane or ill on the day of the tutorial class, will be given an opportunity to complete the assessment individually. Successful completion of the assessment will enable a PASS grade for the module.
- For all students who submit a genuine attempt at the assessment but do not achieve a pass grade for their submitted work, they will be given a second opportunity to pass the module by completing a reflective essay. If this is task is successfully completed, a grade for the course will be awarded based on the remaining assessment in the course.
- Students who do not engage with the module and do not submit a genuine attempt, will be given an opportunity to complete a 5,000 word assignment on teamwork. Successful completion of this assignment will enable the student to be eligible to pass the course with a maximum grade of 4 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 4, a maximum grade of 4 will be awarded).
- Students who fail the module, who do not complete either the reflective essay or the teamwork assignment above will be awarded a maximum grade of 3 (if the remaining assessment in the course would result in a grade higher than 3, a maximum grade of 3 will be awarded).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
In-Semester Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 25% Must Pass
- Due date
2/09/2024
Task description
Students have 60 minutes to answer a series of short answer questions on lecture and practical class material up to the date of the exam.
Please note: Where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses, only the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | no planning time minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Patient management task
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia
- Category
- Performance, Project, Role play/ Simulation
- Weight
- 10% Must Pass
- Due date
23/09/2024 9:00 am
Task description
7 minute video case to role-play your patient education management
To be completed in groups of up to 4 students from your cohort. If you prefer, you can complete this assessment as an individual, however you will need to have someone play the part of the patient.
You can select one of 5 patient cases or design your own.
You can choose your audience, ie the patient and the severity of their symptoms and how they respond or act.
The focus is on your management plan and the content you are delivering and how appropriate this is for the patient or audience.
Consider what is MOST important to cover with the patient or audience in the given time
Some videos may be selected to be provided for the wider group to aid in patient management knowledge and skills, but consent will be sought.
Students will upload their video assignment to the Blackboard course site.
Please save a screen shot showing success of your assignment submission. You are required to upload this screenshot as a second document with your submitted assignment as per the assignment instructions.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseSubmission guidelines
Students will upload their video assignment to the Blackboard course site
Instructions will be provided in lectures and on blackboard
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Theory Exam
- Hurdle
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
A one hour written exam that includes short and long answer questions related to patient cases.
Please note: Where an assessment item requires the student to "List 'x' number" of responses (for example, "List 2 potential causes" of a specified condition) only the first 'x' responses listed by the student will be assessed. Any further responses listed will not be assessed.
This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 60 minutes |
| Calculator options | Any calculator permitted |
| Open/closed book | Open Book examination |
| Exam platform | Learn.UQ |
| Invigilation | Not invigilated |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
End of Semester Case Based Practical Examination
- Hurdle
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Oral
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 35% Must Pass
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
2/11/2024 - 16/11/2024
Task description
Students are examined in a practical examination performing assessment and treatment techniques for a lumbar spine/pelvis presentation that are based on patient cases practiced during the semester.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format, during the central examination period.
In this course the recording of an assessment (oral/practical) performance has been waived, a record of student performance will be taken by other means such as audio recording or detailed written notes that can be referred to if a remark is required at a later date.
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of Generative AI may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this item to pass the courseExam details
| Planning time | 5 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 25 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Materials | You can bring written material from perusal time into the exam to refer to |
| Exam platform | Other |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 35 - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 45 - 54%. A grade of 3 will be awarded to a student who achieves a final mark of 55% or higher but who does not pass one (or more) of the must pass assessment items noted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 55 - 64% and has passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 65 - 74% and has passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 75 - 84% and has passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage from all assessment of 85 - 100% and has passed all of the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items. You must pass ALL assessmentﾠitems to pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher each individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed.
Practical examinations will be scheduled on-campus in a face-to-face format, during the central examination period. As this is dependent on Australian Government guidelines for COVID-19 at the time, this is subject to change.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of assessment items
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the Mid Semester TheoryﾠExam and Video Patient Management Task components are eligible for consideration for the resit/resubmissionﾠoption if the assessment item was completed/submitted on time.
After resit/resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resit/resubmission for an assessment item and do not attend on/submit by the scheduled date will not be permitted to reschedule the assessment/granted an extension.
Students will be eligible for a maximum of ONEﾠresubmission or resit optionﾠfor this course.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at - https://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard
When assessment is submitted throughﾠBlackboardﾠyou will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt.ﾠThis information will also be sent to your student e-mail account.ﾠPlease ensure you keep this email.
When assessment is submitted throughﾠTurnitinﾠyou will receive a confirmation page displaying “Submission Complete!” and can then proceed to download your digital receiptﾠfrom yourﾠAssignment inbox.ﾠIt is suggested that you save a copy of the receipt for your personal records.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at:ﾠhttps://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Library resources are available on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
RECOMMENDED READING:
ﾠ
Specific readings pertaining to aspects of the course will be published on blackboard
ﾠ
PHTY7812 Recommended Journals
Journal of Musculoskeletal Science and Practice
Australian Journal of Physiotherapy
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy
Spine
Clinical Biomechanics
Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain
Pain
The Clinical Journal of Pain
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine
Websites
Australian Clinical Practice Guidelines – Managing acute-subacute low back pain
https://www.clinicalguidelines.gov.au/portal/1978/managing-acute-subacute-low-back-pain
Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard
https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/standards/clinical-care-standards/low-back-pain-clinical-care-standard
New Zealand Acute Low Back Pain Guide
http://www.acc.co.nz/PRD_EXT_CSMP/groups/external_communications/documents/guide/prd_ctrb112930.pdf
NHMRC evidence-based management of acute musculoskeletal pain
https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/guidelines-publications/cp94-cp95
NICE national institute for health and care excellence - low back pain in adults: early management - November 2016
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/NG59
ﾠ
Chronic Pain Australia
http://chronicpainaustralia.org.au
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
PHTY7812 Lecture Series |
Practical |
PHTY7812 Practical Class Series |
|
Week 1 (22 Jul - 28 Jul) |
Tutorial |
GEMS Interprofessional Faculty Module This activity is not directly related to course content in the remainder of PHTY7812. |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.