Common OSCE mistakes to avoid

Paul Welford, academic foundation year 1 doctor, Bristol, UK

Each medical school has its quirks when it comes to OSCEs, but generally schools aim to simulate real life clinical encounters, and you should do the same. Students who use a systematic approach, but are able to be flexible and adjust to the OSCE scenario, tend to be successful.

Sometimes you will fail to elicit all important parts of the history, but this is the same for some real life consultations. The key is prioritising the questions that need to be asked. Omit doing a risk assessment in a depression station at your peril, but don’t interrogate a centenarian on her sex life unless the presentation requires it.

Your patient’s ideas, concerns, and expectations should be explored throughout …