Name
#207 Empowering VA Clinicians: Improving Musculoskeletal Diagnosis and Management Confidence through Simulation Training
Speakers
Content Presented On Behalf Of:
VHA/VA
Services/Agencies represented
Veterans Health Administration/Veterans Affairs (VHA/VA)
Session Type
Poster
Date
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Start Time
5:00 PM
End Time
7:00 PM
Location
Prince Georges Expo Hall E
Focus Areas/Topics
Clinical Care
Learning Outcomes
1. Explain how simulation training enhances clinicians' confidence in diagnosing and managing common MSK conditions in Veterans.
2. Illustrate the effective techniques used in MSK simulation training that help clinicians develop essential skills for managing common MSK problems.
3. Examine the training gaps in MSK education for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and understand their impact on patient care within the VA system.
4. Assess the unique challenges faced by Veterans with MSK conditions and how these contribute to the need for enhanced training in diagnosis and management.
2. Illustrate the effective techniques used in MSK simulation training that help clinicians develop essential skills for managing common MSK problems.
3. Examine the training gaps in MSK education for primary care physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, and understand their impact on patient care within the VA system.
4. Assess the unique challenges faced by Veterans with MSK conditions and how these contribute to the need for enhanced training in diagnosis and management.
Session Currently Live
Description
Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are the number one reason Veterans seek treatment at VA facilities, consistently ranking among the most common causes for all outpatient visits and accounting for a significant proportion of these visits. Studies suggest that over 60% of veterans seeking outpatient care at VA facilities report some form of MSK condition. Despite this high prevalence, numerous reports have concluded that primary care providers lack the confidence to effectively address these common problems due to gaps in their training. Primary care physicians typically receive MSK training early in medical school, with limited opportunities to apply these skills during residency, which focus primarily on inpatient care. Similarly, nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) often receive limited training in MSK diagnosis and management during their education. Consequently, providers may lack confidence in diagnosing and managing MSK disorders, leading to unnecessary advanced imaging and specialist referrals. This issue is particularly evident in the VA system due to the higher incidence of MSK disorders among Veterans, stemming from MSK trauma and overuse during their military careers. The training gap and high prevalence of MSK conditions contribute to delayed diagnosis and management, resulting in Veterans experiencing long wait times and multiple appointments. Ultimately, Veterans may return to their primary care providers after months of delays only to receive the diagnosis and initiate treatment. The MSK Clinician Training Course is a specialized simulation program designed to enhance primary care provider’s knowledge, skills and confidence in managing common MSK conditions.