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Lack of Proficiency in Musculoskeletal Medicine Amongst Emergency Medicine Physicians.

J Orthop Trauma. 2013 Jul 29;

Authors: Comer GC, Liang E, Bishop JA

Abstract
OBJECTIVES:: Emergency medicine physicians are frequently responsible for evaluating and treating patients with urgent or emergent musculoskeletal conditions, so it is critical that they achieve a basic level of proficiency in musculoskeletal medicine. However, inadequacies in musculoskeletal education have previously been documented amongst medical students, residents and attending physicians in a number of specialties. The goal of this study was to assess the proficiency with musculoskeletal medicine amongst emergency medicine physicians in particular.
METHODS:: A validated musculoskeletal medicine competency examination was administered to the emergency medicine residents and faculty at a university-affiliated level 1 trauma center. Demographic data and satisfaction with musculoskeletal education were also surveyed.
RESULTS:: Twenty-three emergency medicine residents and twenty-one attending physicians completed the survey. 35% of residents and 43% of attending physicians failed to demonstrate proficiency on the examination. Pass rates were not significantly different amongst junior residents, senior residents or attending physicians. 23% of respondents indicated that they were dissatisfied with their musculoskeletal education.