Foundation Module students showcase their assignments

This week, Deborah (Debz) Taylor and Abraham (Abe) Ignacio presented their level 7 (Masters) and level 6 (Bachelors) degree assignment as part of the Nicki Ward-Abel memorial lecture at the MS Nurse ‘At The Limits’ conference in London.

Showing how they critiqued the evidence to improve their practice, Debz and Abe summarised their findings and the importance of the role of the MS nurse in supporting people living with MS.

Debz highlighted how MS nurses can assess and teach people with MS how to manage the debilitating symptom of constipation in MS due to neurogenic bowel. This symptom dramatically affects quality of life and can ultimately prevent participation in daily activities. This is the third most reported symptom by people living with MS. Debz presented on how the use of non-invasive abdominal massage can improve constipation and is a very well tolerated intervention for people living with MS.

Abe demonstrated the importance of assessing and opening the conversation with men with MS about sexual dysfunction. He was able to challenge the audience to discuss the subjects which do really matter to their patients. This presentation enabled further networking and discussions with other MS nurses in the UK. Collaboration and learning from each other can enhance the development of learning to increase change for people living with MS.

This was the first time our students had presented at a conference. They were able to evidence the latest literature to support these treatment interventions which improve the quality of life for people living with MS.

Support was provided by Tania Burge, Head of the MS Trust Health Professional Programme,  and Lead MS Specialist Nurse Lou Jarrett. They mentored the students over six months to translate the assignments they completed for the MS Trust Foundation Module, validated by Birmingham City University. This support enabled the students to build their confidence and gave them time to develop their writing and presenting skills to meet the conference brief. This is key to developing the role of the MS specialist nurse, as highlighted by the UKMSSNA in their competency framework. It has extended the reach of the Foundation Module, enabling continued development of their knowledge and skills, which also role models a supported approach to learning to encourage others.

The students shared their thoughts on their experience in preparing for and presenting at conference.

The MS Trust Foundation Module (MS Care and Management) is a comprehensive week-long course aimed at nurses and therapists at the start of their careers in MS. The programme is delivered with five days in-person teaching and online tutorials. This 20-credit university module is accredited with Birmingham City University at either undergraduate or masters level awards. There is pre-work to support the sessions delivered during the module and an assignment which will allow consolidation of knowledge, to be submitted three months after the in-person teaching. 

We are proud to see our students step back into their NHS posts with renewed confidence and enthusiasm to deliver for their patients, and delighted to see the research engagement and evidence-based practice that is necessary for the MS service leaders of the future.

You can read more here about how to apply for the Foundation Module.