System Concepts Ltd were commissioned to carry out research to identify how physiotherapists and occupational health nurses can become more effective in the diagnosis, treatment and overall management of people with upper limb disorders (ULDs).

The objectives of this study were to:

 Identify the current basic and post-graduate training provision to occupational health nurses and physiotherapists relating to the management of ULDs;

 Identify the range of management approaches used for ULDs and the evidence that these are based on;

 Investigate practitioners’ use of tools and management approaches;

 Establish how confident practitioners’ are managing these conditions;

 Identify any discrepancy between current practice and supposed best practice;

 and Identify training needs and barriers to training uptake.