Telehealth: Musculoskeletal Assessment

What role do virtual musculoskeletal assessments play in patient care? What are the benefits of virtual assessments, and what virtual findings should prompt an in-person evaluation? In this short course, we’ll discuss when it is appropriate to conduct a virtual musculoskeletal assessment as well as tips and tricks to make these visits beneficial to both you and your patients. We’ll build on the clinical knowledge you already possess and give helpful ways to modify your in-person exam skills to have clinical value in the context of a telehealth visit. This course will begin by discussing a general musculoskeletal functional assessment before diving deeper into both upper and lower extremity joint assessment. We’ll discuss how you can properly coach patients to perform the proper maneuvers for joint assessment. No matter if you’re experienced in the field or a healthcare student interested in musculoskeletal assessment, this course introduces you to virtual physical assessments. By taking this course, you can contribute to broadening access to musculoskeletal healthcare. No previous telehealth or specific technology experience is required, though familiarity with physical assessments is assumed

• Discuss telehealth benefits for musculoskeletal patients
• Instruct patients and caregivers to complete virtual musculoskeletal assessments
• Identify limitations of virtual assessments

• Basic computer and internet skills
• Ability to read course instructions in English and complete short practice activities