Regional Examination of the Musculoskeletal System (REMS): a core set of clinical skills for medical students

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine an agreed set of core regional musculoskeletal examination skills for medical students to learn. METHODS: Initially focus groups were undertaken amongst Rheumatologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Geriatricians and General Practitioners. These findings were used to inform the production of a questionnaire survey. The findings from both the questionnaire survey and focus groups were assessed using a group nominative technique with national representation from each of the four specialties involved. RESULTS: This process has led to the identification of 50 items, considered to be core regional musculoskeletal examination skills for medical students. CONCLUSIONS: This core set of musculoskeletal clinical skills may now be used to inform the production of teaching materials aimed at medical students.