title: How Well Are Nurse Practitioners Prepared to Treat Common Musculoskeletal Conditions?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Musculoskeletal disorders affect a third of the U.S. population and are among the most prevalent, costly, and debilitating medical conditions. Basic familiarity with musculoskeletal conditions is essential for all primary care providers, including nurse practitioners (NPs).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was: (1) to estimate the quantity of musculoskeletal education provided in NP programs; (2) to evaluate NPs' perceptions of their own confidence in providing musculoskeletal care versus other areas of primary care; and (3) to determine how well NPs score on a test of basic musculoskeletal knowledge.
  
  
  METHODS
  An online self-reporting survey was conducted to evaluate NPs' knowledge, competence, and confidence in treating common musculoskeletal disorders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Most NPs receive fewer than 10 hours of musculoskeletal education, are subjectively less confident about their musculoskeletal skill set compared to other areas of primary care, and lack the basic knowledge to competently manage musculoskeletal problems in primary care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The findings of this study confirm earlier conclusions that, like our physician colleagues, the vast majority of nurse practitioners lack adequate preparation to manage common nonsurgical musculoskeletal problems.
authors.affiliation: A. J. Benham, DNP, FNP, ONC, Nurse Practitioner, Jackson Orthopaedic Foundation, Oakland, CA. Kathleen A. Geier, DNP, FNP, ONC, Nurse Practitioner, Jackson Orthopaedic Foundation, Oakland, CA. Susan Salmond, RN, EdD, ANEF, FAAN, Rutgers University School of Nursing, Newark, NJ.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Benham
authors.forename: Kathleen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Geier
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Salmond
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D003479:Curriculum; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D009722:Nurse Practitioners / Q000193:education* / Q000523:psychology; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires