Royal College of General Practitioners - Online Learning Environment

Musculoskeletal (MSK) and Sports injuries are common presentations in primary care, but remote consultations present unique challenges in assessment and diagnosis. With increasing demand for virtual care, GPs need to develop skills and confidence in managing these conditions remotely whilst recognising their limitations. This webinar, led by a GPwER in MSK and Senior Sports and Exercise Medicine registrar, will provide practical guidance on remote assessment, identifying red flags, and making safe and effective management decisions.

Learning objectives
 By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the strengths and limitations of remote MSK assessments and learn key techniques to enhance virtual consultations.
• Understand how to differentiate common MSK conditions and functional limitations via video or telephone.
• Identify red flags early and when to escalate care for suspected serious pathology, such as fractures, infections, or inflammatory conditions.
• Explore practical management strategies for common MSK conditions, including tendinopathies, joint injuries, and back pain.
• Learn about sports injuries present in active patients, including return-to-play guidance, rehabilitation principles, and prevention strategies.
• Understand the role of exercise prescription and lifestyle advice for MSK health, including having active conversations and how to integrate social prescribing into care.
• Discuss emerging trends in MSK care, such as ultrasound in primary care, hybrid (remote and in-person) assessment models, technology and wearables, and access to community-based rehabilitation services.

Chair:

Dr Salman Waqar MRCGP, GP in Berkshire and Honorary Academic GP, Imperial College London

Speaker:

Dr Faisal Shaikh, GP, Clinical lead, Surrey ICS Community MSK Service, and Sports and Exercise Medicine Registrar