Disease-specific knowledge and differential diagnostic skill in clinical care

Background and purpose – Back and neck pain are among the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaints, imposing a substantial individual and societal burden on healthcare systems. Effective management requires adequate education, strong clinical decision-making skills, and accurate interpretation of red flags. This narrative literature review explores the educational, diagnostic, and decision-making aspects of back and neck pain among laypeople, healthcare students, and professionals. It aims to synthesize findings from studies assessing disease-specific knowledge to emphasize how targeted educational programs can enhance students’ understanding and, consequently, improve their future clinical practice. Methods – A thematic analysis of relevant international literature published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted. The review focused on studies examining disease-specific knowledge, differential diagnostic skills, psychosocial factors, and the interpretation of red flags. Findings were organized by target group and summarized narratively. Results – Across all target groups, substantial gaps were identified in disease-specific knowledge, differential diagnostic competencies, and clinical decision-making skills. While educational interventions demonstrated positive effects on knowledge levels and attitudes, their implementation remains inconsistent. Conclusion – Structured, targeted educational programs introduced early in healthcare training can significantly enhance students’ disease-specific knowledge. Strengthening differential diagnostic skills, improving red flag interpretation, and integrating evidence-based guidelines are essential for promoting safe, effective, and standardized clinical practice.