Department of Physiotherapy implements a project to fight backpain
The Department of Physiotherapy led by Mr. Herman Kazibwe in collaboration with the School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science from the University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland led by Assoc. Prof. Cliona O’Sullivan are implementing a research project called BACKTRACK to develop a technology enabled care pathway that will empower clinical officers in Uganda to deliver first line primary care for back pain. With 47% of persons suffering with low back pain in Uganda, BACKTRACK will go a long way to support the management and care of back pain. Below is a summary of what the project is about.
Challenge: Reducing the burden of back pain using technology enabled care pathways.
Solution: The solution comprises the development of a digital clinical decision support system (BACKTRACK APP) that enables clinical officers to safely identify back pain cases that are amenable to self-management, assist the health worker in dispatching evidence-based self-management advice and identify those cases that should be referred onwards for specialist assessment and interventions.
Team: Herman Kazibwe, Zillah Whitehouse, Jerome Kabakyenga, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Cliona O’Sullivan, Paul Harscouet, Cailbhe Doherty, Brian Caulfield, University College Dublin
2 Phases: Concept Phase (February-June 2022), Seed Phase July 2022-July 2023.
MUST has a formal partnership with University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland and signed an institutional Memorandum of Understanding in March 2020 focused on strengthening the relationship between UCD and MUST staff and students, by promoting intellectual exchange, joint learning and research initiatives and joint clinical experiences for students with the intention of strengthening rehabilitation in global health. This is a relevant area considering that injuries resulting from trauma are a big challenge making rehabilitation as a major focus.
In augmenting more support to MUST, Mr. Herman and Prof. O’Sullivan met the Irish Ambassador to Uganda H.E Kevin Colgan and discussed opportunities for MUST graduates to study at Masters level in Irish Universities under the Irish Aid Fellowship Programme. This is aimed at increasing the number of graduates and in medium term ably start a master’s program that would be the first in the East African Region. Succeed we Must!