Anglais

An OSCE is an Objective Structured Clinical Examination, which has been in common

use for over twenty years. OSCEs are becoming increasingly sophisticated and more

like real clinical situations, rather than a test of a particular skill (Fig. 1.1.1). They often

contain an element of different skills, such as taking a history, interpreting a relevant

result and then explaining to the patient

This introduction gives you some hints and tips for the OSCE as well as how to use

the book within a revision programme. You should use it to practise real-time stations

in groups so you can learn from each other under examination conditions. For ease, we

have divided station types into six chapters,

• Chapter 2: History taking

• Chapter 3: Examination skills

• Chapter 4: Practical skills

• Chapter 5: Communication, ethics and explanation

• Chapter 6: Prescribing and handover

• Chapter 7: Acutely unwell patients

Each chapter contains a broad range of scenarios that could be tested in OSCEs. Each

scenario follows the same template that highlights important points. Some of these are

about how to approach the station; some relate to clinical knowledge and expertise. We

have included hazard warnings for key points in the station and also a guide on how to

excel or common mistakes that are made. We have included online mark-sheets and

other material to structure and guide your learning.