MSK initial entry

Tomorrow I start my MSK prac at the Community Health Centre in Mandurah.

NATURE: From what I understand I will be seeing MSK patients in an outpatient setting. I spoke with my supervisor yesterday who mentioned that the clientele are generally older and the most common complaints are back and neck pain and shoulder problems. I will also be involved in numerous exercise classes, including; hydro, pulmonary rehab, cardiac classes, tai chi, no falls and diabetes education. From speaking to other students, I may also be required to travel to Pinjarra hospital. I’m not too sure what I would be doing here. Perhaps seeing inpatients and utilizing my experience from previous placements?

STUCTURE: I gather that I will be fairly independent on this placement. I think my day will involve seeing patients who I have booked in, either new referrals or follow up treatments. I will also be involved in the classes and potentially travelling to Pinjarra Hospital.

ROLE: I believe that I will be expected to see a full patient caseload and work as if I am a new graduate given it is our final prac. I’m going to have to prioritize my time very effectively!! I will also be involved in a number of classes. My supervisor mentioned that I am not there to partake in the classes or run them as such; the emphasis is on patients running the class for themselves (so they have the power to continue independently). Thus I will be more of a supervisor during class time.

CONCERNS: I am really excited about this placement; so far MSK is something I’ve enjoyed from the outset. I have had 2 previous MSK based placements and I am looking forward to consolidating my knowledge from these experiences (mainly upper and lower limb type things). I am quite nervous about seeing back and neck pain patients, as it will be new to me. It’s obviously something you need to get right from the beginning, as there is a higher potential for these things to become chronic. Thus I’m going to need to clinically reason appropriately!

I’m also worried about clinically reasoning within a short time frame if I’m expected to see a full caseload. Often it is helpful for me to step outside the room and gather my thoughts in relation to the clinical reasoning outline, this way I can be much more confident of my treatments. If say, I only have half an hour to see a patient I’m going to have to do this as I go…which will be difficult, but also a good challenge!