Managing musculoskeletal conditions in general practice is the focus of a new online learning activity from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).
The new activity, available from the gplearning website , promotes optimal primary care management of musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions commonly seen in general practice. The activity consists of three case studies in which participants undertake the assessment and management of patients presenting with MSK conditions.
Dr Chris Mitchell, RACGP President and GP in northern New South Wales, said that the managing musculoskeletal conditions in general practice activity focuses on osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
"Musculoskeletal conditions are the second most common problem seen in general practice, accounting for approximately 12 per cent of all consultations.
"This activity is informed by the recently published RACGP clinical guidelines for the management of musculoskeletal conditions in general practice and will provide participants with the opportunity to become familiar with the RACGP musculoskeletal clinical guidelines and explore their use in practice. It also incorporates the use of practice systems, including clinical audit, to promote patient safety.
By the end of this activity, participants should be able to:
- Describe the impact of musculoskeletal conditions in the Australian community
- Describe the roles of the general practitioner and the practice nurse in musculoskeletal management
- Describe the important components of systematic assessment and diagnosis of patients presenting with musculoskeletal conditions
- List the risk factors for osteoporosis
- Outline systems changes that the general practice team can undertake to identify all patients within the practice at risk of osteoporosis
- Identify risk reduction strategies that could be implemented for patients identified as being at risk of developing osteoporosis
- Provide patients diagnosed with musculoskeletal conditions with appropriate advice on lifestyle change
- Identify appropriate management strategies for musculoskeletal conditions commonly seen in general practice
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of clinical audit within general practice
This activity has been approved by the RACGP QA&CPD Program for 4 Category 2 points and endorsed by APEC number 018030901 as authorised by Royal College of Nursing, Australia (RCNA) according to approved criteria. The activity attracts 2 RCNA Continuing Nurse Education (CNE) points as part of RCNA's Life Long Learning Program (3LP).
The managing musculoskeletal conditions in general practice activity has been developed by gplearning as part of the clinical practice guidelines dissemination and implementation project, which is supported by funding from the Australian Government to maximise effective and widespread delivery of current health care information and service strategies to healthcare professionals.
Source:
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners