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Inspection‐palpation‐percussion‐auscultation and an outcome‐oriented alternative approach to the musculoskeletal examination
Author(s) -
Kirby R. L.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
medical education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.776
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1365-2923
pISSN - 0308-0110
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2923.1981.tb02406.x
Subject(s) - percussion , palpation , auscultation , physical examination , medicine , physical therapy , surgery , radiology
Summary Thirty‐two university‐based doctors and sixty‐seven medical students used a visual analogue scale (VAS) to estimate the usefulness of the inspection‐palpation‐percussion‐auscultation (IPPA) approach. Doctors considered IPPA less useful in the examination of the musculoskeletal system than in other systems, both in clinical practice ( P <0.01) and as an aid in teaching ( P <001). Students rated IPPA less useful in the musculoskeletal examination than in other systems as a learning aid ( P < 0.001). Based on these findings, an alternative model for physical examination of the musculoskeletal system was devised, using inspection, palpation and other clinical methods only when required to reach a diagnosis. The model focused on the outcome of the diagnostic process (aetiological, anatomical/ pathophysiological and functional diagnoses) rather than on the process itself. Thirteen students taught this method found it a useful learning aid. Those familiar with both methods preferred the outcome‐oriented to the IPPA method ( P <0.001).