What's Being Assessed & How?

 

 

 

3 opportunities to sit each year

For the foreseeable future all CSA exams will be in Croydon

 

 

 

How Can I Prepare For It?

 

* Our training programme will run mock CSAs twice a year to help you get practice and help you become familiar with what is expected. You must avail yourself of this opportunity.

 

* There's a DVD out by the RCGP called: MRCGP DVD – the CSA. A guide to the Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA). For all doctors teaching or preparing for the new Clinical Skills Assessment (CSA) of the MRCGP. It costs around £20. Go to their website to purchase it: http://www.rcgp.org.uk/acatalog/

 

* Don't forget: they are testing communication skills AS WELL AS clinical skills; 3 stations will involve clinical examination

 

* Clinical management includes synthesis, diagnosis, appreciation of co-morbidity, flexibility and sharing management options with the patient.

 

* Interpersonal skills include, communication, respect for others, professionalism and other behavioural indicators

 

* And finally, always safety net! (ask your trainer if you don't know what this means)

 

 

 

 

Any Other Advice?

• Some cases require examination: bring your normal doctor’s bag & equipment with you

 

 

 

Some Scenarios to Consider

 

• Doctor behaviours
  • Breaking bad news
  • Motivational interviewing
  • Proxy consultations
  • Confidentiality
• Patient behaviours
  • Aggressive patients
  • Manipulative patients
  • Negotiation
    • Patients who request a test
    • Patients who want antibiotics
  • Non-compliant patients
  • Somatising patients
• Patient problems
  • Joint pains
  • Non-specific abdo pain
  • Backache
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dyspareunia
  • Tired all the time
  • Cystitis
  • Relationship break up
  • Anxiety/panic attacks
  • Recurrent sore throat
  • Non-specific chest pain