Botulinum Toxin Injections for Spasticity Management

Why join this course?

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin) blocks the release of a neurotransmitter known as acetylcholine from nerve cells. Acetylcholine normally transmits nerve impulses to muscle cells, causing them to contract. Without acetylcholine, the affected nerve is unable to send a signal to the muscle it supplies, resulting in a weakened or paralysed muscle. The effect of Botox injections is restricted to the area being treated.

The aim of the injection therapy module is to enable practitioners from relevant health care professions to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin action are related to therapeutic and adverse effects. This will allow for practitioners to advance their practice as independent injectors developing roles such as ACPs and enable autonomous practice.  Medical practitioners will develop greater skills around injection therapy including localisation techniques, and case study analysis to enable advanced clinical reasoning skills  

Audience

This credit bearing module is particularly suited to: physiotherapists, consultant stroke physicians, Rehabilitation medicine and neurology trainees, and nurses.

Course Description

The aim of this Level 7, 15 credit injection therapy module is to enable practitioners from relevant health care professions to develop in-depth knowledge and understanding of how the mechanisms of Botulinum Toxin action are related to therapeutic and adverse effects. The course has been specifically designed to enable appropriate health professionals to undertake injection therapy using botulinum toxin for the management of patients/clients with limb spasticity or dystonia regardless of the form of botulinum toxin used in their trust. 

The students will develop skills through critical analysis and evaluation which will enhance practice, and enable them to monitor and assess more effectively overall Botulinum Toxin response, with resultant benefit to patient/client care. They will also explore the professional and legal implications of the developing role of health care professionals in supplying medicines under protocol.

The greater knowledge and skills students will gain will enable them to become competent, safe and effective independent in injection therapy.  Learners will be supported in developing their skills and techniques in clinical reasoning, injection administration and after care to provide a comprehensive management approach. 

Learning Outcome

On successful completion of the module the students will be able to demonstrate achievement of the following learning outcomes: Generic Learning outcomes of the module

1. Discuss critically the clinical significance and rationale behind Botulinum Toxin injection therapy and the mechanisms of the drug actions, and the possible interaction of the Botulinum Toxin with other body systems to prescribe safely, appropriately and cost effectively according to guidelines for injection.
2.  Apply effective and comprehensive examination and assessment of patients across the life span, and evaluate their suitability for Botulinum Toxin and maintain an appropriate and comprehensive recording system.
3. Critically evaluate and clinically reason the suitability of patients with neurological dysfunction for Botulinum Toxin injection Therapy.
4. Apply and critically appraise the evidence underpinning the Botulinum Toxin injection therapy and the clinical significance of potentially serious Botulinum Toxin interactions, taking account of the evidence-based practice and national/local guidelines.
5. Critically analyse the contribution of different rehabilitation strategies post Botulinum Toxin injection and ensure critical monitoring of responses to Botulinum Toxin for different conditions, and apply knowledge of Botulinum Toxin actions and interactions in order to modify treatment or refer the patient, as appropriate.
6. Evaluate and challenge practice within a framework of professional, legal accountability and ethical issues underpinning injection therapy for Botulinum Toxin within the health professions.