Problem-based learning: an innovative approach to teaching physical assessment in advanced practice nursing curriculum.

Advanced physical assessment is a vital part of any advanced practice nursing curriculum and is typically one of the first courses taken. The teaching methods used vary greatly among schools of nursing. The more commonly used traditional approach begins by learning a complete head to toe physical examination followed by diagnosis and management courses in subsequent semesters. This article will describe an innovative strategy used in a family nurse practitioner program in the USA that focused on beginning the course with the episodic examination, and moving to a complete physical later in the semester. The focused episodic history and physical was conducted on 12 of the most commonly occurring chief complaints in primary care, helping prepare students to become clinically competent more quickly. The methods of implementation will be described as well as the attitudes of the effectiveness of the strategy based upon participant satisfaction. Recommendations for implementation will be discussed.