Date: 17.06.20

Duration: 1 hour

Online via Microsoft Teams

Reflective Summary:

Date: 10.06.20

Duration: 3 hours

Online via Microsoft Teams

Reflective Summary:

This session was an introduction to the summer series for students who have completed year 2 of their degree, in preparation for year 3.

At the beginning of the session we were sign-posted to a rolling document which included a timetable for the sessions over the coming weeks and notes that we could use throughout the series and keep for our information.

During the session we discussed the different aspects of the subjective assessment (SA) in order to gain an understanding, refresh current knowledge and to help us develop a treatment plan that is right for the patient.  A simple format was suggested, that we can use when taking a thorough SA to help build a picture of the patient’s presenting condition.

The format covered general health & contraindications (Cauda Equina, Vertbral Basilar Insufficiency – the five Ds and 3 Ns, THREADS), history of present condition (OLDCARTS), previous medical history, medications, social and family history, aggravating and easing factors.  The information was very useful in preparation for working in the clinic with patients during year 3.

We discussed how important it was to be clear in our communication with the patient when asking questions during the SA.  For example, the client will not know what Cauda Equina Syndrome or Vertebral Basilar Insufficiency means.  It is important to ask the patient questions about the symptoms of those conditions rather than ask them if they have those conditions.

One aspect of the SA that I had not really considered was establishing what the patient’s objectives are and what they want to achieve from the process, rather than being completely fixated on trying to gain a diagnosis.  The assessment is very standardised and process-based and it is so easy to be immersed in the process that you sometimes forget to establish what the patient’s objectives are.  It is important to build a good relationship with the patient to ensure adherence to any prescribed rehab.

I read chapter 15 of (Ali, Jon, & Bruce, 2017) which focusses on the subjective and objective assessment of clients in preparation for this session.

We were given a case study of a patient with Lower back pain (LBP) to look at in preparation for the next session.

References:

Ali, G., Jon, P., & Bruce, F. (2017). How to Make the Diagnosis. In P. Brukner, B. Clarsen, C. Jill, C. Ann, C. Kay, H. Mark, … K. Karim (Eds.), Brukner and Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine—Volume 1 (5th Editio, pp. 209–229). Sydney, Australia: McGraw Hill Education (Australia).

Areas for Further Improvement Plus Action Plan

 

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