Community Low Back Pain Assessment Day- bringing students together with the local community
Our physiotherapy students played a central role in a recent Community Low Back Pain Assessment Day held in Midleton on 10 March, which welcomed 80 members of the public. Working under supervision, the students carried out detailed one-to-one discussions to understand each person’s experience of back pain and administered a short, evidence-based screening questionnaire designed to identify levels of risk and guide appropriate advice and support.
This structured assessment approach, led by Aidan O' Shea, Practice Education Co-ordinator for our Discipline of Physiotherapy, ensured that participants received individualised, person-centred guidance. The students demonstrated excellent communication skills, professionalism, and empathy throughout the day, contributing significantly to the success of the event while gaining invaluable real-world clinical experience.
This initiative reflects University College Cork and our School’s ongoing engagement with the community and our focus on supporting public health. Outreach activities such as this highlight our belief that healthcare education can extend beyond the classroom and clinic, fostering partnerships that benefit both learners and the wider community.
