Common OSCE stations

Paul Lord

Overview
Common approach to all OSCE stations
What to expect Advice for any station

Common themes
Intro to topics

What to expect
Change in format from previous years 10 minute stations
No mini-stations No OSLERS

Examiners still expect you to cover the same competences

All stations on one day are the same in all exam locations Most stations change from day to day not all

What to expect
Similar to previous years exams
Stations may have introductory information and time to prepare Some stations are brief and you will get to leave early if completed Dont worry if you havent finished you can still get full marks

An approach to all stations

Smile Listen to what is being asked you can always ask the examiner to repeat/clarify Introduce yourself Obtain consent WASH YOUR HANDS
Gloves may be available on some stations

Take your time

Look around the station there may be clues stop and think whenever you need to

The examiners
Friendly
May prompt you Will point things out for you

Uninterested (rude!)
Will give no indication of how you are doing Look like they dont want to be there

They are all trying to find reasons to pass you not fail you

Patients
Too obstructive Will not give you any information Are worried about giving away the answer Too helpful Will not shut up! Can use up all of your time Dont be afraid to interrupt

Remember what your objective is

COMMON THEMES

Types of station
Communication History taking

Examination
Spotters Disease investigation and management

Communication
In every station! Handling complaints Breaking news Obtaining information / consent Ethical discussions

Remember that it is still a quantitative exam

Communication
Previous stations
Anxious parent +/- Non-accidental injury

Complaint about a GP in your practice confidentiality

Explain a procedure consent Counselling e.g. HIV testing

History taking
Formally OSLERS
Can you take a comprehensive history Common chronic/stable diseases
OSCE stations

Shorter stations
Can you obtain pertinent information in limited time Emergency situations e.g. chest pain

Examination
Full and comprehensive
Neuro exam Visual fields Cranial nerves

Quick and specific

listen to this heart sound examine this patients lower limb joints Followed by discussion about your findings

Spotters
Used to be 5 minute stations May now include more discussion about the disease Always stable/chronic problems Dont be afraid to talk to the patients
Ask how long they have had it and what treatment they have had

Spotters
Previous examples
Rheumatoid hand AV Fistula Dermatology either eczema or psoriasis Diabetic foot Leg ulcer Total knee/hip replacement (X-ray or patient) (neurofibromatosis)

Dont forget death certificates this came up every day last year!

Diseases and investigation

Common diseases
Ischaemic heart disease Diabetes Stroke Inflammatory Bowel Disease Rheumatoid Arthritis Chronic renal failure

Management
Basic Life Support Acute coronary syndrome
Make sure you can quickly list investigations and management of common diseases

Overall
WASH YOUR HANDS Take your time Ask for help from the patient

Stations are usually basic you can get lots of marks for the correct approach