Professional Certificate Programme in Musculoskeletal Pain Management in Primary Care
According to the World Health Organization in 2022, approximately 1.71 billion people have musculoskeletal conditions worldwide and are the leading contributor to disability worldwide. Understanding and managing this complex condition requires a multifaceted approach. The biopsychosocial model of chronic pain offers a holistic framework, recognizing that chronic pain is not merely a physical ailment but is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. This model highlights the importance of treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms, promoting a more effective and compassionate approach to pain management.
Primary care physicians are often the first point of contact for patients experiencing chronic pain and are uniquely positioned to implement the biopsychosocial model in their practice. This programme is specifically designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage musculoskeletal pain within the primary care setting. By participating, you will have the unique opportunity to enhance your clinical practice, stay informed about the latest advancements in pain management, and ultimately improve the quality of life for your patients. We encourage all primary care physicians to join us in this journey towards excellence in musculoskeletal pain management.
We look forward to welcoming you to the programme and working together to make a meaningful impact in the field of pain management.
This programme is recognised under the Qualifcation Framework (QF Level 6).
QR Registration No.: 24/000686/L6
Registration Validity from 05/06/2024
Programme Director
Dr. Regina Wing-shan SIT
Associate Professor (Clinical)
Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bio : https://www.sphpc.cuhk.edu.hk/reginasit
Who is it for?
Physicians from any specialties with interests in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain in primary care
Mode of Study
Face-to-face
Tuition Fee
HKD 36,000
Application Fee
HKD 300
Medium of Instruction
English (supplemented with Cantonese)
Student Intake
Maximum 30
CME Accreditation
Application in progress
Admission Requirement
Registered Medical Practitioners
Learning Objectives
Towards the end of this course, you will be able to:
1.Holistic Assessment
Understand the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors in chronic pain, allowing for a more comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans.
2.Interdisciplinary Approach
Collaborate more effectively with other healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive a well-rounded, interdisciplinary approach to their care.
3.Enhanced Patient Outcomes
Improve patient outcomes by addressing not only the physical aspects of pain but also the emotional and social dimensions that contribute to the patient’s experience of pain.
4.Patient-Centered Care
Foster stronger patient-physician relationships through empathetic and patient-centered communication, enhancing patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans.
Syllabus
Module 1: Introduction to Pain
In this module, we delve into the fundamental mechanisms of pain and explore the various types of pain that patients may experience. The topics covered include pain Mechanisms, an in-depth look at the physiological processes that lead to the sensation of pain, including the role of the nervous system in transmitting pain signals, and exploring how pain is perceived and factors that can modulate this perception. We will go through different types of pain, including but not limited to nociceptive pain, neuropathic pain and complex regional pain syndrome etc. Different pharmacological interventions will be discussed and interventional procedures beyond medications will be explored.
Module 2: Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics – Upper Limbs
In this module, we will explore the anatomy and biomechanics of the upper limbs. The module includes three interactive tutorials utilizing problem-based learning to cover history taking, physical examination, and management strategies. A session led by a certified physiotherapist will focus on upper limb rehabilitation and exercise prescriptions, followed by a discussion on injection therapies for upper limb pathologies. We will also review the indications for surgical interventions and their expected outcomes.
Module 3: Complementary and Alternative Medicine
In this module, we will explore complementary and alternative approaches to managing chronic pain, including traditional Chinese medicine, psychotherapy, mindfulness, and chiropractic care. Experts in these fields will provide insights into their methods and demonstrate how these diverse approaches can effectively manage pain, offering a completely different horizon in pain management.
Module 4: Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics – Lower Limbs
In this module, we will explore the anatomy and biomechanics of the lower limbs. The module includes three interactive tutorials utilizing problem-based learning to cover history taking, physical examination, and management strategies. A session led by a certified physiotherapist will focus on lower limb rehabilitation and exercise prescriptions, followed by a discussion on injection therapies for lower limb pathologies. We will also review the indications for surgical interventions and their expected outcomes.
Module 5: Clinical Diagnosis and Therapeutics – Cervical and Lumbosacral Spine
In this module, we will explore the anatomy and biomechanics of the cervical and lumbosacral spine. The module includes two interactive tutorials utilizing problem-based learning to cover history taking, physical examination, and management strategies. A session led by a certified physiotherapist will focus on spine rehabilitation and exercise prescriptions, followed by a discussion on injection therapies for spine pathologies. We will also review the indications for surgical interventions and their expected outcomes.
Module 6: Review of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
In this module, we will provide an overview of point of care ultrasound (POCUS), emphasizing its importance and applications in clinical practice. We will visit ultrasound scanning techniques for both upper and lower limbs, focusing on their relevance and practical use in diagnosing and managing musculoskeletal conditions. This module aims to enhance your proficiency in utilizing ultrasound as a valuable diagnostic tool in primary care settings.
Venue
Prince of Wales Hospital/ Shek Mun
Meeting Time
Fridays 6-9 pm / Saturdays 2-5/6 pm (except Public Holidays)
Graduation Requirement
Students are required to
have an overall 80% or above attendance rate; and
pass the module assignment (MCQs), 2 written case studies and final examination (with a score of 65% or above)