ONLINE COURSES FOR PROFESSIONALS

CPD-accredited.

Course content: 

• Overview of common problems associated with having a muscle wasting condition 
• How to identify challenges pupils might face 

After completing this module, you will be able to: 

• Identify the needs of a secondary school pupil with a muscle wasting condition and where they need support 
• Identify how a muscle wasting condition may affect a pupil’s ability to learn and how this can be managed 
• Know where to go and who to talk to for further advice and information

This 15 minute introductory module will teach you basic knowledge and awareness of neuromuscular conditions. It was designed with specialist clinicians and people living with muscle wasting and weakening conditions. We recommend taking this course before signing up for our other courses.  

This course is CPD-accredited.

After completing this online eLearning module, you will be able to: 

• Understand the nature and characteristics of muscle wasting and weakening conditions;
• The typical impacts these conditions can have on a person’s health; and
• The range of healthcare professionals dedicated to managing and treating these conditions.

Together with the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP), we have created the first ever online course for GPs on the presentation and management of neuromuscular conditions in primary care.  

This training module, which is hosted on the Royal College of General Practitioners e-learning training website, only takes an hour to complete. It is worth one accredited continued professional development point. The course is also free to GPs who are members of the Royal College. 

Course content: 

GPs will attain a better understanding of their role in the management of neuromuscular conditions and recognise the key moments when a patient needs to be referred to a specialist neuromuscular service. 

After completing this course, GPs will be able to: 

• Understand the spectrum of neuromuscular disease 
• Identify the key presenting features of the more common neuromuscular diseases 
• Describe management, including the importance of multi-disciplinary care. 

This module is a guide for non-specialist nurses on how to manage neuromuscular in-patients safely and effectively. This course was developed with clinical nurse specialists. 

This course is CPD-accredited.

Course content: 

• Information on specialists involved in providing care for neuromuscular patients 
• Respiratory and cardiology care needs of neuromuscular patients 
• Specialist care for patients with genetic conditions 
• Specialist care for patients with acquired conditions 

After completing this online eLearning module, you will be able to: 

• Understand different types of muscle wasting conditions 
• Identify which health professionals are involved in providing care to people with muscle wasting conditions 
• Have an awareness of the specialist inpatient care required by people with muscle wasting conditions. 

Together with Kingston University, St George’s, University of London, and the Queen Square Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases at UCL, we have developed a module on neuromuscular conditions for adult physiotherapists. This course will build a foundation of knowledge and skills around the management of neuromuscular conditions in adults.  This course is currently being reviewed for a major update to add additional modules for all neuromuscular allied health professionals. You can still access this module during this process, with the expected launch date of our new module in the summer 2025.

This course is CPD-accredited. 

Course content: 

This online module focuses on 11 short core and optional topics, including: 

• Overview of neuromuscular conditions 
• Pathology and presentation of neuromuscular conditions 
• Assessment and outcome measures 
• Exercise in adults with neuromuscular conditions 
• Orthotic management 
• Respiratory management 
• Transition 
• Contracture management 
• Postural management 
• Wheelchairs and mobility management 
• Fatigue management 

After completing this online e-learning module, you will be able to: 

• Understand the spectrum of muscle wasting conditions 
• Confidently assess the needs of patients with muscle wasting conditions 
• Identify the key interventions needed for the therapeutic management of people with muscle wasting conditions. 

Occupational Therapists (OTs) working with children and adults with neuromuscular conditions This online course is designed for occupational therapists to develop an understanding on how to support neuromuscular patients, from support for daily activities, postural management, and wheelchair needs. 

This course is CPD-accredited. 

Course content: 

The module covers a range of areas including: 

• How to support patients with activities of daily living 
• Postural management 
• Transfers 
• Wheelchair needs 

After completing this online e-learning module, you will be able to: 

• Provide an explanation of what a safe and suitable assessment is for neuromuscular patients 
• Understand the common issues which neuromuscular patients are likely to experience in trying to obtain a suitable wheelchair or home adaptations 

This online course, developed by leading neurologist Professor Tracey Willis and leading palliative medicine consultant Professor Derek Willis, is designed for any health professionals who would like to improve their understanding of palliative care for people with muscle wasting and weakening conditions.  

People who have a life-limiting, muscle wasting and weakening condition are living longer and sometimes finding themselves requiring the support of an adult hospice. Yet staff at hospices often lack a basic understanding of these conditions and the care and treatment they may need. This course was developed in partnership with the Association for Palliative Medicine to address gap in the knowledge. 

Course content: 

This course will include the physical and psychological issues which present with some of the more common neuromuscular conditions, and the current practice for symptom control in palliative care. 

Upon completing this module, health professionals and specifically, staff working at adult hospices, will: 

• Have the skills and knowledge to provide the best possible care 
• Know where to go for further information and support 

POD-NMD is a refreshed brand, formerly known as OPEN-TACT. It is an online resource for physiotherapists working with neuromuscular patients in the community, and specialist centres, to improve their understanding around assessment and management of neuromuscular conditions and to promote best practice. Muscular Dystrophy UK is a collaborative partner of POD-NMD. 

POD-NMD includes free and interactive e-learning resources for physiotherapists, including Adult and Paediatric NorthStar Network resources for those working with patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. 

Course content: 

The e-learning CPD resources included on POD-NMD cover: 

• Physiotherapy assessment, including assessing babies and young children, motor performance guides, NSAD practice and reliability, and functional scales 
• Physiotherapy management, including DMD-specific management and LGMD-specific management 

Upon completing this module, you will have: 

• A better understanding in supporting patients with LGMD, DMD, and other condition areas 
• Develop better knowledge in the NorthStar Assessment for limb-girdle type muscular dystrophies (NSAD), a ClinRo of motor performance.