Regional Examination of the musculoskeletal system (REMS): a core set of clinical skills for medical students

Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine an agreed set of core regional musculoskeletal examination skills for medical students to learn. Methods. Initially focus groups were undertaken amongst Rheumatologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Geriatricians and General Practitioners. These findings were used to inform the production of a questionnaire survey. The findings from both the questionnaire survey and focus groups were assessed using a group nominative technique with national representation from each of the four specialities involved. Results. This process has led to the identification of 50 items, considered to be core regional musculoskeletal examination skills for medical students. Conclusions. This core set of musculoskeletal clinical skills may now be used to inform the production of teaching materials aimed at medical students.