Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Periodic Health Examination: Screening for Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Clinical Practice Guidelines
• Evidence-Based Medicine

Background:

• Musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) significantly contribute to global disability, with a higher burden in lower sociodemographic index countries.
• MSDs cause pain, limit mobility and dexterity, and impact societal participation.
• Primary care providers need guidance on screening for MSDs in apparently healthy individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations for primary care providers.
• To guide screening for musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs) in asymptomatic children and adults.
• To address the burden of MSDs, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search and evidence evaluation using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.
• Consideration of cost-effectiveness, patient values, acceptability, feasibility, and equity.
• Consensus formulation of recommendations by a multi-stakeholder panel.

Main Results:

• 15 recommendations were formulated for screening nine musculoskeletal conditions and risk factors.
• Strong recommendations for screening physical inactivity (adults), fall risk and sarcopenia (≥60 years), and osteoporosis (women ≥65 years).
• Strong recommendations against screening for low vitamin D (all ages) and osteoporosis (men, women <65 years).

Conclusions:

• The CPG offers evidence-based guidance for primary care screening of MSDs.
• Recommendations are based on a comprehensive evaluation using the GRADE approach.
• The guideline aims to improve early detection and management of MSDs at the primary care level.