Before taking these free e-learning modules we recommend that you first complete our online course providing an introduction to muscle-wasting conditions which you can also access here.
- Paediatric physiotherapists
- Education professionals
- Occupational therapists
- Nurses
- General Practioners (GPs)
- Adult physiotherapists
- Palliative care
OPEN-TACT for paediatric physiotherapists
Content
OPEN-TACT is a new online platform designed to give paediatric physiotherapists the skills and knowledge to offer the best possible care to children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, SMA, limb girdle muscular dystrophy and Pompe disease.
OPEN-TACT includes:
- Modules covering assessment scales and management for each condition
- A Virtual Clinic with video content to learn in an interactive way how to conduct a North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA)
The OPEN-TACT module is CPD-accredited to help physiotherapists upskill.
Accessing the module
Sign up to OPEN-TACT via this link.
E-Learning Module for Education Professionals
Content
The module covers:
- Overview of common problems associated with having a muscle-wasting conditions
- How to identify challenges pupils might face
Outcomes
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
Accessing the module
You can sign up and take the e-learning module for education professionals via this link.
E-Learning Module for Occupational Therapists
Content
The module covers a range of areas including:
- How to support patients with Activities of Daily Living
- Postural management
- Transfers
- Wheelchair needs
Outcomes
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
Accessing the module
You can sign up and take the e-learning module for occupational therapists via this link.
E-Learning Module for Nurses
The purpose of this module is to provide a guide for non-specialist nurses on how to manage neuromuscular inpatients safely and effectively.
Content
The nursing module covers the following:
- 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
Outcomes
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
Accessing the module
You can sign up and take the e-learning module for nurses via this link.
GP and adult physiotherapy e-learning modules
In 2015, Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) created the first ever online course for GPs on the presentation and management of neuromuscular conditions in primary care.
Also in 2015, we worked with the Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, at Kingston University & St George’s University of London, and the MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCLH, to develop a new online e-learning module on neuromuscular conditions for physiotherapists working with adults.
You can access the GP e-learning module here.
The e-learning module for physiotherapists working with adults is available here.
Palliative Care
This e-learning module has been created for any health care professional who would like to understand more about palliative care for people with muscule wasting conditions.