MSc MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PRINCIPLES OF REGIONAL ANAESTHESIA

Code: MED-7073E Credits: 20

This anatomy module includes immersive clinical case discussions to develop in-depth knowledge around the anatomical considerations for the regional anaesthetist. Topics include: 1. Awake Shoulder Surgery 2. Elbow Replacement Surgery 3. Complex Dupuytren’s Release 4. Mastectomy 5. Revision Hip Surgery 6. Anterior Cruciate Reconstruction / Complex foot surgery 7. Complicated Patients, Abdominal Operations 8. The Cervical Plexus / Anatomical Variations

Code: MED-7076E Credits: 20

This module covers Quality, Training, Assessment, Human factors and non-technical skills, Safety and sterility, Risk, consent and contraindications to regional anaesthesia and Enhanced recovery and perioperative medicine

Code: MED-7096X Credits: 60

The aim of the Research Dissertation is to enable students to demonstrate their depth of knowledge developed through the whole programme and to demonstrate insight into the rigorous process of research. The focus of the dissertation is determined within each programme of study and to demonstrate skills in critical appraisal and systematic review, where appropriate. This should give practitioners experience of designing, conducting and reporting research.

NOTE: Dissertation can only be commenced following successful completion of the preceding 6 modules.

Code: MED-7074X Credits: 20

Why do patients undergoing surgery continue to complain of uncontrolled pain despite being prescribed analgesia? Why do different types of surgery or trauma produce different pain complaints? Can we influence outcome with pain relief and what are the risks? Throughout the module you will discover the complexities of the mechanisms underlying preoperative pain. You will gain a better understanding than you ever thought possible of the relevance of the basic science mechanisms underlying pain perception and how this may be influenced by coexisting disease and psychological factors. This will ultimately enable better targeting of appropriate analgesic strategies to your patients. Using problem-based learning you will begin with a detailed exploration of relevant neurophysiology, neuroanatomy and pharmacology; explore how drug and anaesthetic regimes can interact with these systems advantageously and sometimes adversely. We will then introduce the complexities of preexisting pain states and particular conditions associated with high risk of ongoing term pain. Ultimately the goal is to be able to identify optimal interventional and pharmacological strategies that optimise immediate and long term outcome.

Code: MED-7066X Credit: 20

The aim of the module is to develop a depth of knowledge of designing audit, service evaluation and practical research.

Code: MED-7065D Credits: 20

This module provides students with the skills set necessary to undertake a substantial research project; from identifying the types of project, understanding the research data, undertaking the necessary procedures around IRAS (ethics), statistics, participant information and communicating findings.

Code: MED-7075D Credits: 20

This module covers Ultrasound principles and needle technology, Peripheral nerve stimulator and landmark techniques, Catheters, Choosing and managing your block, Extremes of age, Centroneuraxis and Modern techniques.

This course is comprised of six 16-week-long online modules, providing advanced learning in the following specialist areas: 

• Anatomy and applied anatomy applicable to regional anaesthesia 
• Neuropharmacy/physiology of perioperative pain medicine 
• Applications of regional anaesthesia 
• Delivering a high quality service in regional anaesthesia 
• Integrated Research  
• Clinical Leadership and management      

Each module is delivered in two-week topics, with learning outcomes mapped to current UK practice. You will also be required to undertake approximately 10 hours of independent study each week, including: 

• Reading core texts and the latest clinical papers 
• Discussing an online clinical case with your peers to draw out learning opportunities and evidence-based practice 
• Completing formative assessments to aid your learning, including multiple choice questions and script concordance tests 
• Constructing a personal management plan for the clinical case to demonstrate your understanding of the topic 
• You will need to demonstrate a minimum of 80% online engagement to receive CPD accreditation for each module. 

You will also have the option to take a summative written assessment for each module; complete it successfully and you’ll be awarded 20 university credits. Acquire 60 credits and, in addition to your CPD accreditation, you’ll also be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate. Successfully complete assessments for 6 modules and you’ll acquire 120 credits and receive a Postgraduate Diploma. If you then decide to complete a 60 credit dissertation project, you’ll achieve 180 credits in total, and a Master’s in Principles of Regional Anaesthesia degree. 

All teaching will take place online, using range of teaching techniques, including peer-group (PBL) discussion and specialist formative testing. 

Our e-tutors are all highly experienced senior clinicians working both in the UK and internationally, so you will be able to maximise your exposure to global discussions and comparisons of best practice. 

Independent Study 

You will complete the course in parallel with your clinical duties in Regional Anaesthesia. We allocate time for background reading and will provide you with access to the UEA online library to facilitate your evidence-based learning. 

Each module is undertaken in isolation without an assessment component, allowing you to gain CPD evidence for your portfolio. However, if you do want to obtain formal university credits to contribute towards a postgraduate qualification, you will need to successfully complete a written assessment for each module. The summative assessment comprises of a written reflective essay-style assessment, which will be submitted and marked online. The research and management modules will require the online submission of a piece of written work, which will be marked according to the UEA postgraduate senate scale, the national scale for higher education marking.