Hello fellow medics,
So the time has come for the clinical skills assessment - I hope that the preparation (and stress!) was worth it and you all pass with flying colours!
Below are just a few quick reminders to bear in mind - as guess what…passing the exam is not ALL about the clinical knowledge! You might know your stuff, but if you don’t do the ‘simple things’ it might all mean nothing. You do not want this to be the case!
Initial Approach
These are the first words that come out of your mouth and your general demeanour. Introduce yourself, confirm patients ID, say you will wash your hands and ask for consent.
A simple “Would it be OK to talk more about your scan…” or “ Hello, I am Dr X, I have been asked to talk to you today, would that be OK?”.
Be sincere, be polite and smile.
Gathering Information
Structure, Structure and Structure. If you have structure, you wont be so concerned with remembering what the next question is (and therefore risk not listening to the patient). It doesn’t matter if its SOCRATES, SQITARPS…just have a nice flow and ‘look’ confident.
Use open questions and then get specific.
Ask about how the symptoms are impacting on the patients life- idea, concerns and expectations. Be genuine when you ask, and listen to the answer!
Building and Maintaining Relationship
This is so crucial. You could be the most knowledgable doctor but if you make the patient (and examiner) feel on edge, its not great.
Show you are listening verbally and non verbally. Even if you feel flustered and feel completely out of your comfort zone, a gentle nod and compassion can win over the patient.
Provide accurate information
OK this is when clinical knowledge is needed…no lie…BUT that’s not enough.
The information needs to be in small junks, not in medical jargon and you need to check understanding. Summarise the points and offer a ‘patient information leaflet’.
Management plan
Again, yes knowledge is crucial but again I reiterate the above - do not rush it, avoid medical language (which can alienate your patient). They need to understand the information you are providing.
This was a quick reminder for history taking stations - practical skills and acute stations will have similar ‘to do’ but with additional factors to consider i.e. safe disposable of equipment etc.
My understanding is the exam will be via virtual modes- which can mean additional stress of the unknown.
Having examined in remote OSCEs - here are some quick pointers:
1) Look at the camera, have eye contact
2) Check your IT/internet and block any messages coming through (so frustrating and distracting hearing the ‘ping’ every few seconds)
3) Its all the same - introduce yourself. Its a real exam
4) Verbal and non verbal communications is even more crucial.
5) If you don’t hear the information - it is OK to ask them to repeat it, Don’t rush it.
The best advice I got for my CSA exams (medical finals and GP exams) was “act like a doctor before your exam”…which sounds odd, but basically it means you need to have this air of confidence and professional demeanour about you prior to exam. Walk and talk like you are a FY1 on the wards (walking around your house!/looking in the mirror) so by the time you get into the exam, you don’t have to change who you are!
Best of luck, be calm and be nice!
L x