CHECK LIST

Musculoskeletal history
SKILL
INTRODUCTION CONSENT PRESENTING COMPLAINT HISTORY OF PRESENTING COMPLAINT

DETAIL
Introduce yourself & identify the patients details. Gain informed consent from the patient Reason for patient seeking medical advice; duration; acute vs chronic? Further exploration of the presenting complaint. Enquire about other musculoskeletal symptoms Site Distribution Character Radiation Aggravating/relieving factors Severity Which joints are affected? What time of the day do they notice this symptom most? How does the stiffness relate to rest & exercise? What is the duration of the stiffness?

CHECK

-joint pain?

-joint stiffness? -joint swelling?

-associated symptoms?

Many rheumatological conditions are multi system conditions that may present with symptoms in other systems. Therefore it is important to ask about other systems questions (e.g. Fever, Weakness (loss of strength due to mechanical or neurological impairment), fatigue (Poor endurance), weight loss, eye symptoms(e.g. red eyes; conjunctivitis) preceding sore throat symptoms of urethritis General enquiry; also specific enquiry about other MSK conditions. Any history of:Inflammatory bowel disease; psoriasis; STDs ; Iritis Any prescribed medication? Over the counter medication? Allergies? Patient able to administer medication? General enquiry; Particularly ask about : Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis; Gout or any other type of arthritis Occupation / alcohol / smoking history Determine the patients domestic situation & occupation. Enquire if their symptoms have any effect on their activities of daily living (e.g. dressing; cooking; washing; mobility, leisure, sexual activity etc)

PAST MEDICAL HISTORY DRUG HISTORY FAMILY HISTORY

SOCIAL HISTORY

SYSTEMATIC QUESTIONING SUMMARIZE TO PATIENT Allows patient to confirm that you have the right story