Objective structured clinical examinations
BMJ 2002; 324 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/sbmj.0206178 (Published 01 June 2002) Cite this as: BMJ 2002;324:0206178
- Paul Tomlins, preregistration house officer
Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are a terrifying experience. The frantic last minute cramming ends abruptly, and as you hear the first bell you instantly forget anything you have learnt in the past few weeks. But like anything else, a few hints, tips, and tricks can make all the difference on the big day. Here are just a few that I have found useful.
Nothing “won't be in the exam…”
Before any exam there are always plenty of rumours: you should believe none of them. The perennial favourite is that “you won't get (insert disease/examination) in the OSCE.” Don't believe a word of it. Whatever it is, it will turn up if you haven't prepared for it.
…but some things will definitely be in the exam
Examiners have favourites. There are two types of patients in clinical exams. First are outpatients bought into hospital especially for the exams. These patients will have stable chronic conditions with dependable signs. They often come back year after year and a few questions to those who took the exam last …
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