How is your OSCE graded in the each station? -Part I

The Rating Rubrics of OSCE

How did you know how well you did in OSCE ? 

Advantages of understanding the SYSTEM

1. The scoring system is vital to ensure you score on the parts that you can do well, so it could help you with the other parts that you lacking.
2. To understand the flow of thoughts of a doctor, when you are with a patient. 
• Do you know what question to ask next based on their response, which could aid in deciding the final diagnosis?
3. To practice it on the topics that you are studying with a direction, instead of trying to memorise everything into your brain.

      4. Since you know how they give you the score, you will also know which station you didn't do  well. But do not give up, this gives you the opportunity to reflect on what you did wrong, so you can score better in another station.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

The key to passing OSCE is not just about having good basics and knowledge 

but also constant practice either with yourself (using the mirror) or with a friend, 

and the best if you have the opportunity to talk to patients

Scoring Block

It is separated into 6 parts which consist of 

From the table above, you can see there other than the 6 main criteria, there are also scoring based on your performance. 

Each Part will have a total point of 10, 

However in the end of the session, they will add all points together and finalise with a 0-10 score. 

For example: 

A student scored 5 for each part, therefore the total points in the end she get is 5, despite the total score is 30 points/60 points

The scoring board is further explained into detail actions that you should do during the examination.

1. General Approach

• establish rapport early with examiner and patient and maintains it. 
• example: greetings to examiner and patient, try to make them comfortable with your presence with a SMILE :D
• Positive and appropriate body language and eye contact
• It is understandable to be nervous at first, but try to breath in deep breathes to calm yourself before entering the room or do something brash (impolite, talk too fast, not considerate, avoid eye contact) , be polite
• Demonstrate a fluent, coherent and confident approach
• Be like how a doctor should be when talking to patients, reassure them and not being lead astray by their questions. Be patient and explain till they understand
• be confident but humble at the same time
• Able to communicate answers clearly
• it is useful to give some pauses for the patient to think about their condition (especially in breaking bad news).
• Ask the patient if they have any question after your consultation session/ follow up session is complete. -  This helps to understand what the patient do not understand while you are explaining. 
• When relevant
• Clearly explain the purpose of consultation and seeks consent where applicable
• Ensure the patient is safe
• Identification, name , age
• use alcohol rub/ washing hands before and after procedure
• Maintains a courteous and caring attitude
• be concern when patient is crying, hand her some tissues, 
• ask if the patient wants to have some space and breath, 
• ask if the patient wants to her relative to be with her.
• try to understand why the patient is upset/angry/frustrated.
• Listen attentively and acts with Empathy (similar point above)
• Avoids or explains medical jargon and provides accurate information
• do not explain their condition using medical terms!

The detailed criteria above helps the examiner to determine which score you deserve. 

(from 0-10 )

This section is the easiest/ hardest to score, as it depends on the situation,

Tips: 

Stay calm, smile, greet and say thank you.😁

ToBeContinue ... ... in Part 2 ← click here

- History Examination
- Physical Examination
- Procedural Skills
- Professional Skills
- Content Knowledge

The scoring system above is applicable for those who are taking the malaysia medical board exam (examination for provisional registration).