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Common Orthopedic Conditions in Primary Care: Assessment, Management, and Referral (Copy)
Common Orthopedic Conditions in Primary Care: Assessment, Management, and Referral (Copy)
Educational Activities (EA)
120.0
Reviewing Performance (RP)
Measuring Outcomes (MO)
Brief Overview
This educational activity is designed for general practitioners to enhance their skills in the assessment, initial management, and appropriate referral of common musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions encountered in primary care. The program will cover key diagnostic approaches, non-surgical management strategies, and clear pathways for timely specialist referral, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce unnecessary specialist visits.
Program Details
This activity will guide participants to:
- Identify relevant outcome metrics: Discuss using validated patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) like the EQ-5D, WOMAC (for knee/hip OA), or DASH (for upper limb) in their practice to track functional improvement or pain reduction.
- Explore simple audit opportunities: Guide participants on how to conduct small-scale audits, e.g., tracking the proportion of patients with back pain whose management aligns with current guidelines, or the effectiveness of their initial conservative management strategies before referral.
- Utilise referral feedback: Emphasise the importance of reviewing specialist letters to assess the appropriateness and timeliness of their referrals, and how specialist feedback contributes to better patient outcomes.
Program Outcome
Musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons for presentation to general practice, yet GPs often face challenges in accurate diagnosis, appropriate initial management, and determining timely specialist referral. There is a clear need for GPs to refresh and enhance their practical skills in orthopedic assessment, confidently distinguish between conditions amenable to primary care management versus those requiring specialist input, and navigate referral pathways efficiently. This activity addresses these needs, aiming to reduce patient wait times, improve initial care, and ensure optimal utilization of specialist resources.
y completing this activity, participants will be able to:
- Conduct a targeted clinical assessment (history and examination) for common orthopedic complaints.
- Accurately differentiate between common musculoskeletal conditions requiring conservative management versus those needing specialist referral.
- Formulate and implement evidence-based non-surgical management plans for prevalent orthopedic conditions.
- Identify "red flags" necessitating urgent orthopedic assessment.
- Understand the appropriate role and timing of imaging in common orthopedic presentations.
- Clearly define criteria and pathways for timely referral to an orthopedic specialist.
- Provide effective initial care and post-operative support for patients undergoing orthopedic procedures.
This activity will use a highly practical and interactive approach:
Interactive Lectures: Concise presentations on common conditions, highlighting key diagnostic features and management pearls.
Clinical Skills Stations/Demonstrations: Practical sessions focusing on joint examinations and specific orthopaedic tests (e.g., shoulder, knee, back assessment).
Case Discussions: Analysis of various patient scenarios from presentation to management and referral decisions, encouraging group problem-solving.
"Ask the Ortho Surgeon" Panel: Dedicated Q&A session with an orthopedic specialist to address complex cases and referral queries.
Imaging Interpretation Workshop: Review of common X-ray and MRI findings relevant to primary care orthopedics.
Resource Kit: Providing examination checklists, referral guidelines, and patient education materials.
The effectiveness of this CPD activity will be evaluated through:
Pre- and post-activity confidence ratings: Self-assessment by participants on their perceived ability to manage common orthopedic conditions.
Short, practical quizzes/case-based questions: To assess knowledge acquisition and application of learned skills.
Post-activity feedback questionnaires: Collecting comprehensive feedback on content relevance, clarity, engagement, and perceived impact on clinical practice. This will include specific questions on how the activity will change their assessment and referral patterns.
Informal observation: Noting participant engagement during practical sessions and recurring questions in Q&A.
All evaluation data will be collated and analyzed. Insights derived from this data will directly inform content updates, refinement of practical sessions, and adjustment of activity duration in future iterations, ensuring continuous improvement and maximum relevance for GPs.
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Delivery Method & Format
6.5 Hours total Duration
In Person
Interactive Learning: Workshop, Case-based Discussion (focuses on active participation and applying knowledge)
CPD Home (Accreditor)
ACSE
Suited for
Practice Nurses, Practitioners
AUS
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