Assessment of knowledge of junior doctors and non-specialists about musculoskeletal medicine

OBJECTIVES: To assess the knowledge and confidence of junior doctors and non-specialists in examining and making a diagnosis of patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) diseases. METHODS: This was a Cross-sectional study of 121 doctors working in medical clinics at a tertiary hospital between October and December 2019. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Doctor’s awareness regarding different MSK examination methods including gait, arms, leg, spine (GALS), pediatric gait, arms, leg, spine (pGALS) and regional examination of musculoskeletal system (REMS) was noted. Undergraduate teaching of these methods and use in their daily practice was surveyed. RESULTS: Majority of the doctors lacked awareness about different MSK examination techniques. Awareness about GALS, REMS and pGALS was 44.6%, 59.5% and 18.2% respectively. There was significant correlation of GALS/REMS awareness with the undergraduate teaching and doctor’s clinical experience (p-value <0.05). Confidence level of doctors in diagnosing patients with adult MSK pathologies was 55%. Only few doctors were satisfied with their musculoskeletal education (29%). CONCLUSION: The GALS examination is a useful screening tool for junior doctors and non-specialists in a direct access setting to rule out musculoskeletal problems.