Physical Examination Skills

Course Link: physical examination skills - healthcare professionals - (belmatt.co.uk)

Course Summary

This interactive workshop is designed to develop advanced physical examination skills essential for clinicians working in primary care, urgent care, and general practice. Participants will practice and refine examination techniques for the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and musculoskeletal systems, with a focus on clinical accuracy, identifying abnormal findings, and integrating these skills into comprehensive patient assessments. The workshop also emphasizes critical decision-making, leadership in clinical settings, and the application of evidence-based practices.

Course Content

Introduction to Advanced Practice and Physical Examination Skills

Overview of the Advanced Practice 4 Pillars of Practice

Role of physical examination in clinical decision-making and patient safety

Linking examination skills to red flag identification

Head and Neck Examination

Detailed assessment of head, neck, lymph nodes, thyroid, and cranial nerves

Recognising abnormal findings: swollen lymph nodes, goitre, facial asymmetry

Red flags: severe headaches, visual disturbances, and neck stiffness

Chest and Cardiovascular Examination

Heart auscultation techniques: identifying murmurs, rubs, and gallops

Lung examination: percussion, auscultation, and inspection for respiratory distress

Red flags: abnormal heart sounds, wheezing, and crackles

Clinical decision-making based on physical findings

Interactive Practical Session

Hands-on practice of head, neck, and chest examination techniques

Peer assessments with feedback on examination accuracy

Abdominal Examination

Techniques: inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation of the abdomen

Identifying common conditions: appendicitis, hernias, and liver disease

Red flags: acute abdomen, peritonitis, and abdominal masses

Safety netting and when to refer for further investigations

Neurological Examination

Full neurological assessment: motor, sensory, reflexes, and coordination

Identifying neurological deficits: stroke, nerve compression, and neuropathy

Red flags: sudden weakness, loss of sensation, and altered consciousness

Integrating neurological findings into clinical practice

Evidence-Based Physical Examination and Research Integration

Review of current research on physical examination techniques

Critical appraisal of evidence supporting examination accuracy and clinical utility

Integrating findings from research into everyday practice

Leadership in Physical Examination

Leading patient assessments in multidisciplinary teams

Effective communication of examination findings

Building confidence in handling complex cases and sharing decision-making

Final Practical Assessment and Reflection

Case presentations: participants will assess and present findings from physical examination

Peer review and facilitator feedback on examination techniques and clinical decisions

Reflective practice: identifying areas for improvement and developing a personal action plan

Host or Publisher Belmatt Healthcare Training