Enhancing Clinical Evaluation Skills: Palpation as the Principal Skill

Abstract

Context: Recognition and evaluation of injuries/illnesses accounts for the greatest percentage (24%) of an athletic trainer's responsibilities as a clinician. When teaching orthopedic evaluation, we often emphasize history taking and special/ligamentous tests to achieve a diagnosis. Because of its complexity and variability, palpation becomes an underutilized skill in the evaluation process. Objective: The intent of this article is to provide educators with some nontraditional instructional techniques to assist students' development of palpation skills. Background: Palpation is used to identify somatic problems, treat those problems, and assess the result of the treatment. Within the examination, palpation identifies the specific tissues associated with an individual's complaint. By correctly identifying the affected tissues, the remainder of the evaluation can be shaped to appropriately address the injured structures. If students are able to comprehend the significance of palpation, they can enhance their evaluation skills. Description: We describe four lessons (Anatomy of a Penny, Controlling Pressure, Discriminating Changes in Soft Tissues, Integrating Skills with Blindfold Palpation) to help instructors provide a foundation for, as well as to advance and integrate, palpation skills in the evaluation process. Clinical Advantages: Education programs aim to enhance students' clinical abilities to recognize and evaluate injuries. The methods used to achieve improvement are not driven by accreditation standards, but by instructional technique. Nontraditional instructional methods may assist instructors with enhancing the palpation skills of their students. Conclusions: Palpation is an integral skill in the evaluation process. With creative instruction, educators can help students advance their skills.