So you’ve registered, and are getting yourself ready to tackle the Observed Clinical Encounters. Here are a few pointers for the Physical and History Stations. By the time the exam day comes, you should have these actions memorized. They will become second nature for you, which will ensure you get those automatic points.
Physical Stations:
- When you enter the room – always sanitize your hands. These are free points when it comes to the encounters. The examiners need to see you do this, and it sets the stage that you have taken measures to ensure hygienic practices and the examiners always look for it off the bat.
- NOTE: ensure your nails are trimmed before the exam. It will prevent you from accidentally scratching the simulated patient, and also demonstrates hygienic practices to the examiner.
- If the patient is required to be exposed in any way,state that you will be draping the patient accordingly, and then do so. This shows patient care and is important in all OSCE scenarios. If you have to expose smaller parts of the patient’s body- check in with them that lifting their johnny shirt, asking if they are in agreement with you proceeding. These are simulated patients, they will always say that proceeding is fine.
- Whether you are looking for particular findings, or physically manipulating the patient, tell the examiner everything you are doing. TALK OUT LOUD. This is important. The examiner cannot read your mind. The more explicit you are explaining yourself, the more likely you will catch anything you may have originally missed, and the more points you will obtain for being very straightforward. There are two schools of thought when it comes to talking out loud. They are outlined below.
You can do this one of two ways, you can speak to the patient addressing them as “you”
ex: I am now looking for any discoloration on your shins and lower extremities
You can also address the examiner directly “I am now checking the patient’s lower extremities for discoloration”
- Periodically check in for patient comfort, especially when palpating or have any contact that requires pressure or manipulation of joints. Make eye contact with the patient, and ask if any manipulation you are doing causes pain or discomfort.
