RxPG - RxPG Tips for OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

History taking, physical examination, communication, and interpersonal behavior are all skills that can be improved by training, practice, and critique.

General Comments
�� Greet the patient and state your name.
�� Elicit or confirm the patient’s name.
�� Never attempt to communicate with the patient other than as a physician to patient.
�� Feel free to take notes during the encounter. (Blank paper will be provided)
�� Concentrate on the case on which you are working.
�� Notify proctors or evaluators of any problems.

History Taking
�� Begin with broad questions and then focus your inquiries.
�� Don’t rush the patient’s answers.
�� Don’t cut the patient’s answers off with another question.
�� Repeat your questions in different terms if necessary.
�� Ask follow-up questions.

Physical Exam
�� Wash your hands between patients, preferable before touching the patient or beginning the physical examination.
�� Tell the patient when you are going to begin the physical exam.
�� Describe the maneuvers either before or as you do them.
�� Always use patient gowns and drapes appropriately to maintain patient modesty and comfort.
�� Maintain the patient’s modesty, but never examine through the gown.
�� Do a focused examination based on the patient’s complaint, symptom, and history.
�� Look for physical findings.
�� Note the time warning for 2 minutes remaining in the encounter.
�� Close the encounter when the “End of Encounter” signal is given.
�� When appropriate, tell the patient your initial impressions and your plan for the diagnostic work-up.
�� When appropriate, ask for, and answer any additional questions.
�� Do not perform rectal, pelvic/genital, or female breast exams.

Communication Skills
�� Make eye contact.
�� Ask clear questions.
�� If you use medical terms, explain yourself.
�� Be direct and honest, but also be sensitive.
�� If you don’t know the answer to an SP’s question, say so.
�� Acknowledge the patient’s concerns or worries.