The online modules are designed to help improve health professionals’ knowledge of how to provide care for people with rare and complex muscle-wasting conditions. The courses, which are CPD accredited, have been developed alongside specialist health professionals and people with muscle-wasting conditions as part of the charity’s ongoing efforts to improve care standards.
The nursing module is for those who work with individuals and families affected by muscle-wasting conditions, but who do not have specialist knowledge. Nurses will be able to study real-life scenarios to gain an understanding of the common health issues affecting adults with muscle-wasting conditions and learn about specialist inpatient care required when patients experience cardiac problems or respiratory difficulties. They will also find out which health professionals are involved in the care of adults with muscle-wasting conditions and who they can contact for further support.
The module for occupational therapists provides the information needed to safely assess a child or adult with a muscle-wasting condition, and explains how to support people with muscle-wasting conditions in tackling challenges faced in day-to-day activities. An additional introductory module is available for anybody who wants to learn more about muscle-wasting conditions.
Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said:
“Muscle-wasting conditions require specialist support, and Muscular Dystrophy UK is committed to ensuring all health professionals working with people with these conditions have the resources they need to deliver best-practice care. Our range of e-learning resources continues to grow and we are delighted to be launching these new courses.
“We would encourage all occupational therapists, nurses and anyone wishing to learn more about muscle-wasting conditions to make use of these free courses, which we hope they will find informative and useful.”
Claire Bosanquet is a former occupational therapist and tested the e-learning modules for Muscular Dystrophy UK. She said:
“The e-learning modules are a great resource for healthcare professionals. As a mum and full-time carer to two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and having worked previously as an occupational therapist, I know first-hand how important it is for people in the profession to have a good understanding of rare and complex muscle-wasting conditions.
“The module will help occupational therapists to upskill so they can provide the best care to children and adults with these conditions, and improve their quality of life.”
Priyaneet Kainth from Birmingham has Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT). She said:
“I’m really pleased that Muscular Dystrophy UK has developed these online modules. I know from personal experience that too often non-specialist health professionals are unaware of how to give people with muscle-wasting conditions the care and support they need. The courses will be an important step in addressing this issue, by educating health professionals about the basics of muscle-wasting conditions.”
Muscular Dystrophy UK also provides training courses for other health professionals, including an online module for physiotherapists, which has helped more than 1,000 people working with adults with muscle-wasting conditions to provide better care. The equivalent module for GPs has also been taken more than 1,000 times, and provides doctors with support around the diagnosis and practical management of people with muscle-wasting conditions.
To find out more, visit: https://www.musculardystrophyuk.org/information-for-professionals/
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For media enquiries, please contact Laura Burge, senior press officer, Muscular Dystrophy UK, on: press@musculardystrophyuk.org or: 0207 803 2870.