Course unit details:
Work and Musculoskeletal Conditions
| Unit code | POPH68842 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Students will develop knowledge and understanding of how work causes musculoskeletal problems and how work and employee health and safety is prioritised within organisations to prevent MSK ill health. This includes the management of existing MSK conditions in work. The role of occupational health professionals will be examined using relevant legislation and case law. Students will learn how to recognise, diagnose and treat conditions using reasonable adjustment strategies in the workplace.
Aims
The unit aims to: provide an in depth understanding of musculoskeletal conditions caused by or impacted by work, and how these conditions are managed, ameliorated and prevented. Students will apply this knowledge to understand complex factors involved in the manifestation and management of work-related musculoskeletal conditions, as well as the assessment of pre-existing conditions to support rehabilitation, return to work, and workplace adjustment. Students will demonstrate knowledge and skills in identifying interventions to promote the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal conditions and in evaluating the role of organisations and culture in improving musculoskeletal outcomes.
Learning outcomes
| Category of Outcome | Students will be able to: |
| Knowledge and understanding | Demonstrate a conceptual understanding of work-related MSK and the role of the workplace in its causation and remedy. Discuss the relevant outcomes from the impact of work-related MSK Discuss the role of organisational management in ensuring compliance with health and safety at work legislation. Understand the principles of the relationship between organisational factors and employee outcomes, and the issues relating to the management of these factors relevant to MSK.
|
| Intellectual skills | Analyse the relationships between MSK and organisation-level outcomes (e.g. productivity, absenteeism, health records) Examine work-related MSK health outcomes, including factors associated with other work related ill health such as stress and mental health outcomes. Appraise the role of human behaviour (including its causes and consequences) in particular health and safety scenarios pertinent to MSK. Develop powers of critical appraisal, analytical thinking, and logical argument to allow evaluation of concepts and/or approaches to occupational health issues. |
| Practical skills | Apply legislation and case law to work related musculoskeletal problems. Identify/suggest appropriate interventions for specific workplace scenarios. Evaluate interventions aimed at reducing the risk of negative health outcomes.
|
| Transferable skills and personal qualities | Integrate knowledge of health, legislation and business in the management of identified work-related issues affecting both individuals and groups. |
Syllabus
- Advanced Occupational Health Law
- Workplace Health Promotion
- Ergonomics
- Shift Work and Daily Rhythms
- Common Mental Health Problems and the Workplace
- Work and the Older Employee
- Rehabilitation and Return to Work
- Introduction to Audit
Teaching and learning methods
Learning and teaching will take the form of online written course material and lectures, webinars, journal club, group discussion, and tutorials, where applicable.
Canvas or other University central learning environment will be used for course materials including group discussions, announcements and updating of content, relevant lecture slides and additional reading, written example sheets and for online formative assessments.
Employability skills
- Analytical skills
- Students will be able to consider a range of issues and influences that affect an individual's fitness for work and work performance.
- Problem solving
- Students will be able to carry out an assessment of an individual's fitness for work and provide appropriate solutions to identified issues.
- Written communication
- Students will know how to communicate with managers and employers in relation to patients' health and well-being.
Assessment methods
Audio-visual asynchronous presentation or video. Accompanying business case briefing paper and infographic. 10 minutes 1000 words equivalent
Feedback methods
In SafeAssign for the presentation and in Turnitin in the briefing paper
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| eAssessment | 60 |
| Lectures | 40 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 50 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Melanie Carder | Unit coordinator |
| Anne Clayson | Unit coordinator |
Additional notes
If you have any questions regarding the content of this unit, please contact the Course Unit Leaders, Melanie Carder and Anne Clayson:
melanie.carder@manchester.ac.uk
If you have any other queries, please contact the Programmes team via shs.programmes@manchester.ac.uk.