Physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal education: an innovative approach to teach medical students musculoskeletal assessment techniques

Abstract

Implication Statement
 We developed physiotherapist-led interprofessional (IP) workshops for medical students each dedicated to a specific anatomical region. The workshops alternated between theoretical presentations from a physiotherapist about basic musculoskeletal (MSK) assessment techniques and hands-on practice in small groups with feedback from Master’s-level physiotherapy students (MPT). The workshops created an optimal IP learning environment where medical students can learn MSK assessment techniques and MPTs can apply their knowledge and clinical skills. Academic institutions with physiotherapy and medical programs seeking to develop IP learning activities should foster opportunities for IP collaboration between physiotherapy and undergraduate medical education.

Musculoskeletal education in undergraduate medical curricula–A systematic review

“…This provides promise for a strategy to circumvent the obstacles posed by the introduction of a new curriculum in an already time‐constrained undergraduate medical curriculum. Unfortunately only 1 study has been conducted assessing the benefit of interprofessional education 64 . Although this study was underpowered, it did show a significant benefit of an interdisciplinary approach to musculoskeletal education, a concept which is gaining momentum within medical education throughout a number of disciplines, largely due to its assimilation to the professional working environment.…”

“…The delivery of education from a musculoskeletal specialist, compared to a non‐specialist did not result in any increase in skill level or knowledge 63 . One study examined the role of interprofessional workshops, reporting a significant increase in knowledge and confidence scores from baseline to post‐workshop, benefits which were sustained at 6 months follow‐up 64 …”

“… 63 One study examined the role of interprofessional workshops, reporting a significant increase in knowledge and confidence scores from baseline to post‐workshop, benefits which were sustained at 6 months follow‐up. 64 …”

“…63 One study examined the role of interprofessional workshops, reporting a significant increase in knowledge and confidence scores from baseline to post-workshop, benefits which were sustained at 6 months follow-up. 64 Case-based teaching was compared to bedside teaching in a randomized controlled trial, and results concluded there was no difference in the average final OSCE score between each of the groups; however, case-based teaching was well received by the students. 65 The benefit of a teaching associate was demonstrated in 1 study with significantly better clinical skills performances when compared to peer and instructor led examination.…”

Writing, reading, and critiquing reviews

“…In their article, Physiotherapist-led musculoskeletal education: an innovative approach to teach medical students musculoskeletal assessment techniques, Boulila and team 34 described the implementation of physiotherapist-led workshops, whether the workshops increased medical students' musculoskeletal knowledge, and if they increased confidence in assessment techniques.…”