Stoma examination – OSCE guide
Alongside a good abdominal examination it’s important to remember that many patients you encounter in hospital may already have abdominal pathology. Stomas are common things to come across and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Chest X-ray (CXR) interpretation
Chest x-rays (CXR) are a frequently performed radiological investigation that you’ll be expected to be capable of interpreting (as due to the sheer volume of chest x-rays requested they are often not...
View ArticleNasal examination – OSCE guide
Nasal examination can sometimes appear in OSCEs. You’ll be expected to pick up the relevant clinical signs using your examination skills. Technique is very important in this station. This nasal...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Certification of Death (UK) – OSCE guide
Completing a death certificate is a station in many-a final year OSCE, and more importantly is something that will need to be done in day-to-day life as a junior doctor. Knowing what to write where...
View ArticleIntramuscular injection (IM) – OSCE guide
Intramuscular (IM) injections administer medication deep into the muscle tissue, enabling faster absorption and larger systemic doses than subcutaneous injections. This guide discusses how to perform...
View ArticleAnkle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) measurement – OSCE guide
The ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) is a non-invasive method of assessing the extent of chronic peripheral arterial disease in the lower limbs. It is a ratio composed of the blood pressure in the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Writing in the notes – an overview
Writing in a patient’s notes is something you’ll be required to do at some point during your training, so it’s important that you’re aware of how to document appropriately. Accurate documentation is...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How to document an ECG
In addition to knowing how to record and interpret an ECG, it’s also important to know how to appropriately document an ECG. This guide provides a structured approach to documenting ECGs in a patient’s...
View ArticleElbow examination – OSCE Guide
Elbow examination can occasionally appear in OSCEs, so it’s important you’re familiar with it. You should feel confident diagnosing local joint issues such as bursitis, but also be able to identify...
View ArticleAnkle and Foot examination
Ankle and foot examination can occasionally appear in OSCEs, so it’s important you’re familiar with it. Check out the ankle and foot examination mark scheme here. Introduction Wash hands Introduce...
View ArticleTesticular examination – OSCE guide
Testicular examination can occasionally appear in OSCEs and if it does you need to have practiced the routine to look slick and professional. This testicular examination OSCE guide provides a...
View ArticleNewborn baby assessment – OSCE guide
This guide aims to provide a structured approach to performing a newborn baby assessment in an OSCE setting. Check out the newborn baby assessment OSCE mark scheme here. Background The Newborn Infant...
View ArticleExamining a skin lesion – OSCE guide
Examination of a skin lesion frequently appears in OSCEs. You’ll be expected to pick up the relevant clinical signs using your examination skills. This guide provides a clear step by step approach to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hand washing – OSCE guide
Introduction Effective hand washing is a key skill all healthcare workers need to be capable of performing. Hands are the main method of pathogen transmission in the healthcare context and therefore...
View ArticleBlood culture collection – OSCE guide
Taking blood cultures is a relatively common OSCE station. You’ll be expected to demonstrate your clinical skills and ability to communicate effectively. This blood culture collection OSCE guide...
View ArticleSubcutaneous (SC) injection – OSCE guide
Subcutaneous (SC) injections pierce the epidermis and dermis of the skin to deliver medication to the subcutaneous layer. It is a common route of delivery for medications such as insulin and low...
View ArticleHearing assessment and otoscopy – OSCE guide
Hearing assessment and otoscopy frequently appear in OSCEs. You’ll be expected to pick up the relevant clinical signs using your examination skills. Technique is very important to this station, so...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Urinalysis – OSCE guide
Urinalysis (urine dipstick testing) frequently appears as an OSCE station, so you need to get familiar with the process to look competent in the exam. It’s actually a very simple process, but people...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD)
Temporomandibular dysfunction or TMD refers to a range of disorders causing pain in the pre-auricular area and muscles of mastication. It is the most common non-dental cause of orofacial pain and often...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Lymphoreticular examination – OSCE guide
Examination of the lymphoreticular system is often performed when a clinician has concerns regarding an underlying haematological malignancy in a patient. This examination is also useful to monitor...
View Article