Station 6: FAQs
Index
What do I do if the equipment doesn’t work or breaks?
What do I do if the candidate doesn’t know how to work the equipment?
What do I do if the bell goes and the candidate hasn’t completed the task?
What to do if the candidate becomes too anxious to complete the station?
I am concerned about the candidate’s professionalism. What should I do?
What if the patient becomes unwell?
What if the patient needs to use the toilet?
What if the candidate asks a question during the station?
Can I tell the candidate if they have got the correct diagnosis or indicate their performance?
What do I do if the patient/simulated patient does not follow their instructions?
If I fail a candidate have I ruined their career and will they fail the overall exam?
I was not happy with the station. It was too easy/hard!
What do I do if the equipment doesn’t work or breaks?
Arrive at the station in plenty of time and ensure all the equipment is working
Ensure you have spare equipment in case of faults or breakages
Always have spare batteries available
If the equipment cannot be fixed alert the exam staff ASAP
It is always worth asking at your local training session who to liaise with during the assessment day in case of problems
What do I do if the candidate doesn’t know how to work the equipment, for example, the ophthalmoscope?
Do not prompt or adapt the station to the candidate's strengths
It is vital to check local policies for equipment use
Remember to keep a passive role
What do I do if the bell goes and the candidate hasn’t completed the task?
It is important that you immediately move the candidate on to the next station
You cannot accept any additional answers/actions after the bell
What to do if the candidate becomes too anxious to complete the station?
Allow the candidate time to compose themselves
Inform the examination lead as soon as possible
Include as much detail of the event in the feedback
I am concerned about the candidate’s professionalism. What should I do?
Please provide detail feedback on the candidate during the station
Each medical school has different systems for raising concerns – this may be integrated within candidate feedback or provided in a separate incident report form.
What if the patient becomes unwell?
Check before the assessment begins how the patient is feeling
Ensure the patient is able to complete the examination without pain or any other distressing symptoms
Throughout the session ensure comfort. The earlier the circuit lead can be contacted, the earliest a secondary patient can be sought
What if the patient needs to use the toilet?
Please ensure that prior to the commencement of the assessment they have had an opportunity to use the toilet
Additionally, if you have any breaks in the session encourage the patient to use the toilet, if needed
What if the candidate asks a question during the station?
The examiner should have a passive role throughout and not show bias towards the candidate
Always check the instructions prior to the station to ensure there they are clear and accurate
IF there is any doubt check before Examiners should not prompt candidates
Can I tell the candidate if they have got the correct diagnosis or indicate their performance?
No, as this may affect the candidate's performance at other stations
What do I do if the patient/simulated patient does not follow their instructions?
It is key to establish roles and guidelines for the patient/simulated patient prior to the station and ensure all information is clear
If concerns remain please contact the examine lead as soon as possible
If I fail a candidate have I ruined their career and will they fail the overall exam?
If a student fails one structured clinical examination station, that does not mean they have failed the whole assessment. Scores are aggregated. If you feel a candidate is borderline, or fail it is important you reflect this in their overall scoring
I was not happy with the station. It was too easy/hard!
It is really important and valuable for the assessment leads to receive feedback on the stations
That includes anything from station information, room facilities, patient selection, to refreshments!
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