A.

Tips for OSCE Success

Below is a review of some key items to assist you as you prepare for the OSCE.

General Tips

Dress Neatly and Professionally. Review the CSSC Dress Code.

Arrive early and review your Blueprint and rotation order.

Treat the SP like a “real” patient- stay in you role.

Stay in the room and use the allotted time. Once you leave the room you may not reenter.

Be as complete as possible. Do not skip clinical skills because you think you know the diagnosis.

Let the proctors know if you have any problem.

Read the “Door Instructions” carefully. Note the task (what you are expected to accomplish during the
encounter) and Vital Signs.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills (CIS) Tips

Professional Manner & Rapport:

Knock before entering the room.

Greet the patient warmly (smile, shake hands or appropriate touch) and introduce yourself by name (first
and last) and role as a second year medical student.

Elicit and confirm the patient’s identity (name and DOB).

Tell the patient what you will be doing: “I will first take a medical history, and then do a physical exam…”

Foster relationship

Maintain appropriate eye contact (sit) and use non-verbal communication skills.

Express interest in the patient as a person.

Treat the patient with respect.

Demonstrate empathy. Reassure patient about concerns but don’t make promises. Support emotion.

Encourage the patient to tell his/her story in their own words… “What brings you in today?”

Avoid medical jargon, explain terms used.

Listen attentively

Support emotion/empathy

Questioning Skills: (Student as gatherer)

Encourage patient to explain in own words

Impact on patient

Use open ended questions and ask follow-up questions.

Avoid multiple questions.

Use pauses and give the patient time to answer (avoid interrupting or “cutting off” the patient).

Checking for patient understanding

Use transition statements.

Information Sharing:

Statement of what is likely occurring to patient

Matching info level to need

Avoid jargon

Finalize plans

Encouraging question from patient

Close the interview with a summary of your findings (what you think may be the cause of their symptoms)
and the plan of action (“what’s next”). Always ask the patient “Do you have any questions?”

You are expected to answer all questions that the patient has. If you are asked a difficult question, and don't
know what to answer, tell the patient that, at this time you don't have more information on that question.
It’s OK to say, “I don't know but I will try to get the answer for you".

Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE) - Tips for OSCE Success

Physical Examination Tips

Wash your hands before physical contact with the patient.

Use an alcohol swab to clean your stethoscope.

Remember, proper technique requires that the stethoscope by directly on the patient’s skin (DO NOT
AUSCULTATE OR EXAMINE through clothing.
Talk before you touch. Tell the patient what you are going to do before you do so.

Use the patient’s gown and/or drape to maintain patient modesty and comfort at all times.

If you ask the patient to lie back on the examination table, make sure to pull the leg rest out.

Help the patient up and on or off the table, as needed.

If you believe an intimate exam is indicated (breast, pelvic, GU, rectal) inform the patient, they are trained to
respond.

Post-Encounter Note: Reminders

Include the CC and patient demographics

HPI: Attributes of a symptom and chronology. Be succinct but complete. Include relevant ROS (pertinent +s
and –s)

Document Medication Allergies; if none state NKDA

Be systematic

Use subheadings (HPI, PMH, Allergies etc…)

Physical Exam:

Include a general description of the patient

Document the Vital Signs

Document the Exam in proper order (Use subheadings)

Differential Dx and Reasoning:

Indicate your differential diagnosis and supporting elements in Hx and PE

(including pertinent +s and –s)

Indicate diagnostic studies that correspond with your DDX

IMPORTANT:

Modified SOAP Format- Keep “Subjective” and “Objective” elements separate

Important CSSC OSCE Policies

Bring your analog stethoscope, analog watch, and a pen into the room – nothing else.
Do not bring your iPads, iPod, smart phone or any other electronic device into a patient room unless we tell
you too specifically.

Professional dress. Socks. No toes, midriffs, underwear showing. Short nails. (Review CSSC Dress Code)

Do not be late and do not ask us to reschedule unless there is an emergency or you are sick with a doctor’s
note. You may not switch with a colleague.

The OSCE is a Summative Assessment and students are bound by the Honor Code. Exam content is NOT to be
discussed or disclosed in any manner.

References
USMLE 2014 Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Content Description and General Information at
http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/step-2-cs/cs-%20info-manual.pdf
http://www.uams.edu/icm/OSCE/how_osce.asp