| Module 7: Overview

OBJECTIVES

Effectively treat patients with common Musculoskeletal and Gastrointestinal disorders seen in primary care across the lifespan:

Effectively assess patients through use of the following strategies:
- gathering patient information including patient history.
- performing the applicable physical exam given the patient's symptoms.
- ordering appropriate diagnostic tests.
Evaluate and synthesize assessment data to determine a primary diagnosis and differential diagnoses.
Create treatment plans that include:

- personalized recommendations ranging from holistic care to medical prescriptions and rehabilitation.
- comprehend patient scripts describing the pathophysiology (relaying to patient in laymen's terms).
- age and culturally appropriate patient education.
- appropriate referrals when needed including interprofessional referrals and available resources in the community to assist patients.

Areas suggested for review this week include:

Musculoskeletal Disorders:

Bursitis
Epicondylitis
Gouty Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Meniscal Tears
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sarcoidosis
Low Back Pain
Reactive Arthritis
Sports Participation Evaluation
Osteoporosis
Sprains
Tendonitis
Fibromyalgia
Vitamin D Deficiency

Gastrointestinal Disorders:

Anal Fissure
Hemorrhoids
Acute Appendicitis
Gallstones
Colorectal Cancer
Colonic Diverticulosis
Peptic Ulcer Diseease
GERD
Viral Hepatitis
IBS and IBD
Celiac Disease
Pancreatitis and Pancreatic Cancer

There really is no way to list all pathologies in these body systems (and others for that matter) but you can explore and list specific areas under each area of concern to explore further.

When studying these areas, please include the following to help assure that you are addressing all aspects of these disorders:

Disease description
Incidence
Risk Factors
Assessment Findings
Differential Diagnosis
Diagnostic Studies
Prevention
Non-Pharmacologic Management
Pharmacologic Management
Consultation / Referral
Follow up
Expected Course
Possible Complications