Using the Novel Musculoskeletal Emergency Medicine Assessment Tool: A Feasibility Study

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Emergency Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders are a common reason for emergency department visits.
• Medical training often has significant gaps in musculoskeletal education.
• Existing assessments do not adequately evaluate emergency medicine-specific musculoskeletal knowledge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility and practicality of the Musculoskeletal Emergency Medicine Assessment Tool (MEAT).
• To evaluate the tool's ability to assess baseline musculoskeletal knowledge in incoming emergency medicine residents.

Main Methods:

• A feasibility study involving 21 incoming emergency medicine residents from two programs.
• Online administration of the 50-question MEAT during orientation.
• Collection of demographic data, survey metadata, and undergraduate medical education details.

Main Results:

• 100% response rate with no reported difficulties accessing or understanding the MEAT.
• Average pretest score of 29.9 (median 30).
• Average completion time of 32 minutes.

Conclusions:

• MEAT is a feasible tool for assessing emergency medicine residents' musculoskeletal knowledge.
• The tool can standardize knowledge assessment and track progression during residency.
• Wider adoption across programs will enhance MEAT's generalizability and utility for evaluating educational interventions.