Professional Documents
Culture Documents
At the start of the examination you will be given a booklet containing information
about each of the “patients” you will see at the ten OSCE stations.
The information you will be given will include the patient‟s name, age, gender,
occupation and any relevant history. You will also be given a lead question. This will
tell you the focus of the station.
Prior to entering each OSCE station you will have up to two minutes to look at this
information before you speak to the “patient”.
While you are having a dialogue with the “patient”, an examiner will be marking you
against a pre-agreed set of criteria on a mark sheet.
Examples of candidate information and mark sheets are given below. The mark
sheets are used as a basic outline and guide to the examiners. They indicate the
absolute minimum required and the actual assessment of passing or failing is more
complex than indicated on these mark sheets.
EXAMPLE 1
Candidate information
At this station
The patient wants to discuss with you the available options to replace the missing
incisor with something more permanent.
2
Marking schedule
Information Gathering
Competent
Recognises concern about aesthetics and function
Appreciates relevance of the wedding in the near future and the need to move
things along swiftly
Also appreciates possible pressure from parents
Not competent
Fails to gain appropriate information
Fails to appreciate influence of the forthcoming wedding
Grade
Dentist-patient interaction
Competent
Shows appropriate concern and empathy
Not competent
Fails to develop adequate rapport.
Grade
Conveying information
Competent
Clear explanation of various options
Gives accurate information re what each procedure involves and relative costs
(including time)
Not competent
Fails to discuss all possible options
Vague
Over technical explanation with lots of jargon
Fails to acknowledge time constraints imposed by wedding
Grade
Clinical issues
Competent
Explains need for possible referral to „specialist‟ for implant treatment
Suggests that further investigations to assess bone volume is likely
Not competent
Ignores possible need for additional „specialist‟ input
Grade
Pass/Fail
(delete as applicable)
3
EXAMPLE 2
Candidate Information
At this station
Take a full history from the patient concentrating on his complaints. Then discuss his
concerns and any further tests you may prescribe.
4
Marking Schedule
Case Name: Joe Bloggs Cand No: Station:
Case Topic: History taking Examiner:
Information Gathering
Competent
Listens to history and elicits relevant points
Asks relevant questions
o Symptoms - How long, where, type of pain, initiating/relieving factors,
any other treatment provided
Not competent
Does not obtain most of history
Fails to ask relevant questions for pain diagnosis
Grade
Dentist/patient interaction
Competent
Clear, logical approach to questioning
Uses appropriate eye contact & body language
Professional, empathetic approach
Not competent
Takes history in unstructured way
Fails to develop adequate rapport
Unsympathetic approach
Grade
Conveying information
Competent
Clear explanation of possible diagnoses
Reassures patient
Avoids jargon
Not competent
Failure to explain causes of symptoms, reassure.
Failure to reassure patient about condition
Use of unnecessary jargon
Grade
Clinical issues
Competent
Explains possible further investigations
Appreciates significance of history
Not competent
Poor understanding of significance of history
Does not explain possible further tests to support / disprove differential
diagnosis
Grade
Pass / Fail
(delete as applicable)
5
EXAMPLE 3
Candidate information
Imagine you are a dentist in general dental practice. David had trauma to his upper
anterior teeth while playing football yesterday. The upper right central incisor was
avulsed (knocked out). The coach found the tooth on the ground, rinsed it with water
and pushed it back into the socket. On examination the tooth appears well positioned.
The adjacent and opposing teeth appear intact. Both the upper right and left central
incisors exhibit Grade I mobility. Radiographs of the upper and lower anterior teeth
show no root fracture or other pathology.
At this station
6
Marking Schedule
Case Name: David Smith Cand No: Station:
Case Topic: Planning treatment Examiner:
Information Gathering
Competent
Confirms history
Realises patient wishes to retain incisors
Not competent
Fails to recognise nature of injury
Fails to establish patient‟s concerns
Grade
Dentist/Patient interaction
Competent
Shows concern and understanding
Manages concerns
Discusses short and long term option and effects
Not competent
Ignores concerns
Fails to answer questions
Fails to take account of patient‟s wishes
Grade
Communicating
Competent
Clear language no jargon
Clear explanation of treatment – immediate and long term
Clear explanation of prognosis
Not competent
Fails to discuss prognosis
Fails to explain treatment clearly and discuss follow-up
Uses jargon
Grade
Clinical Issues
Competent
Appropriate management of situation discussed
Discusses prognosis
Discusses outcomes and restorative options
Not competent
Incorrect treatment
Ignores possible loss of tooth
Grade
Pass / Fail
(delete as applicable)