|
|
The foundation of our clinical education approach, the Orthopedic Primary Care (OPC) curriculum, focuses on the initial evaluation and non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions in primary care.
It includes assessment, diagnosis, patient education, conservative treatment, and knowing when referral to orthopedic specialists is appropriate. |
Developed by experienced nurse practitioners and educators Kathleen A. Geier, DNP, and A.J. Benham, DNP, the OPC curriculum is grounded in published research that identifies a significant gap in musculoskeletal training for primary care clinicians. Their work demonstrates that focused MSK education improves clinician knowledge, confidence, and clinical competence.
Why is OPC needed?
|
“Primary care clinicians often lack adequate preparation to confidently and competently manage common musculoskeletal conditions in primary care settings.” |
Musculoskeletal conditions account for a large share of primary care visits, yet many clinicians receive limited formal training in MSK assessment and management.
Orthopedic Primary Care helps close this gap by equipping nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers to manage stable, non-surgical MSK conditions effectively in primary care settings.
The result is improved access to care, clearer clinical decision-making, and fewer unnecessary referrals.
Orthopedic Primary Care helps close this gap by equipping nurse practitioners and other advanced practice providers to manage stable, non-surgical MSK conditions effectively in primary care settings.
The result is improved access to care, clearer clinical decision-making, and fewer unnecessary referrals.
Applying OPC in Clinical Practice
|
|
|
|
What our students are saying
Natalie
Nurse Practitioner
/ Primary Care
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
I took the course when I was just starting out, working in a primary care practice. The course made me more confident with injections, and with having more structure going from diagnosis to treatment. It’s been really useful.
blah blah blah
/ blah blah blah
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Lianna
Nurse Practitioner / Urgent Care, Primary Care
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
OPC helped me narrow down my diagnostics and not order unnecessary imaging. It helped me to really try to focus on what is a good physical exam, which is really key to what we can do with our hands and our abilities.
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Carol
Nurse Practitioner Student / Primary Care
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
This course corresponded with the last six months of my NP program. I'm more confident in assessing issues with the spine, shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. The course was really valuable for learning what kinds of special tests to identify the problem and to put together a differential diagnosis and treatment.
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cadelba
Nurse Practitioner / Family Practice
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
This course really helped me with my assessment skills and narrowing down closer ideas for diagnosis. Also, it increased my confidence in treatment options, knowing the steps of each part of treatment and knowing what red flags to watch out for.
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Kathleen
Nurse Practitioner
/ Pain Management
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
OPC really helped me with my organization, particularly with different differential diagnoses and physical exams. I can go through the exam quicker and I know what I’m looking for and not just going through the motions. It's also made me more confident with musculoskeletal complaints that I wasn't confident in before, for example hands, wrists, and elbows.
/
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 0
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Want a free CE?
Watch our recorded Intro to Orthopedic Primary Care webinar, which explains the approach behind our work. You can download your 1 CE certificate afterward.