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. 2016 Jul;8(3):398-404.
doi: 10.4300/JGME-D-15-00391.1.

Effectiveness of an Interprofessional and Multidisciplinary Musculoskeletal Training Program

Michael J Battistone, Andrea M Barker, Marissa P Grotzke, J Peter Beck, Jeffery T Berdan, Jorie M Butler, Caroline K Milne, Tim Huhtala, Grant W Cannon

Effectiveness of an Interprofessional and Multidisciplinary Musculoskeletal Training Program

Michael J Battistone et al. J Grad Med Educ. 2016 Jul.

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal (MSK) problems are common, and a recent US Bone and Joint Initiative calls for new models of education and professional collaboration. Evidence of feasibility and acceptability of innovative methods are needed.

Objective: We assessed if an experimental immersion interdisciplinary MSK curriculum would be acceptable to residents from different specialties, be feasible within existing rotations, and be effective in strengthening clinical skills.

Methods: Through funding from the Veterans Affairs Office of Academic Affiliations and the Office of Specialty Care, we developed a Center of Excellence in MSK Care and Education. A core element is the monthly MSK Education Week, which teaches skills and provides opportunities to apply these in clinical settings. Participants include internal medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and orthopaedic surgery residents, as well as students and residents from other health professions programs. All were assigned to the MSK week in lieu of other clinical experiences. Faculty encompassed primary care, rheumatology, endocrinology, orthopaedics, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Assessments include surveys and a 2-station objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).

Results: Since 2012, a total of 176 trainees have participated. Percentage of trainees reporting ability to evaluate and manage MSK complaints increased (9% to 87% for shoulder; 18% to 86% for knee), and confidence performing MSK injections increased from 10% to 70%. Competency in evaluation of shoulder and knee pain was confirmed by OSCEs.

Conclusions: The MSK week program was accepted by residents from the 3 specialties, with learners reporting improved ability to perform shoulder and knee examinations, as demonstrated by OSCEs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: The authors declare they have no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Schedule for the MSK Education Week Note: Specific faculty participating in each specific event are identified by footnote; the general rheumatology clinic on Wednesday afternoon does not involve course faculty. Each week involves an average of 6 to 8 participants. Abbreviations: MSK, musculoskeletal; RA, rheumatoid arthritis; OSCE, objective structured clinical examination. a Michael Battistone, MD (Rheumatology and Primary Care) b Grant Cannon, MD (Rheumatology) c Andrea Barker, MPAS, PA-C (Primary Care) d Marissa Grotzke, MD (Endocrinology) e Peter Beck, MD (Orthopaedics) f Scott Swasey, MD (Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation)
Figure 2
Figure 2
Percentage of Responses (n = 135) Indicating Confidence Before and After MSK Week Abbreviation: MSK, musculoskeletal.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Distribution of OSCE Scores (Percentage of Items Performed) for 153 Participants Abbreviation: OSCE, objective structured clinical examination.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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