OSCE Training for undergraduates
A new comprehensive 3-part course to help candidates get to grips with the mechanics of the OSCE exams
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About TeachTrainGo OSCEs
The OCSE-style examination is a huge part of the undergraduate examination process for all UK trained medical students.
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Over two decades ago, many UK medical schools adopted the OSCE style exam as another layer of assessing training doctors. Candidates now had to show the application of their knowledge in a practical, patient-focused clinical setting. Testing knowledge theoretically was not enough.
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OSCE style exams are something that all medics will face throughout their careers. It is a part of medical training at many stages of a doctor's life - not just undergraduates, but when they need more advanced specialist training. So understanding the mechanics of how an OSCE works, in a patient focussed way, is an essential lifelong skill to obtain.
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That's why the earlier you start, not only in the academic year, but the actual year itself, the better.
Two decades later, it still causes fear, and confusion, making students feel lost. That is because it still feels like a new concept everyone is getting to grips with. OSCE teaching standards still need to be improved in some teaching hospitals.
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But, rather than see it as a confusing element that becomes the bane of a medical student's training or something they need to get through, what if you could get on top of it? What if you could take back control of your OCSE?
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Preparing for OSCEs is very different from preparing for a theory examination. The approach and execution are different and require differing skills. It is quite common that when a candidate feels nervous or anxious in their OSCE exam, it is very easy to forget to be patient-focused.
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TeachTrainGo's modules will help with that.
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Our OSCE teaching modules are taught by experienced role-players with decades of experience in simulated patient work and communication skills training in medical education.
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The TeachTrainGo OSCE modules are more than just tips and tricks. Our modules have been carefully crafted to delve deep so candidates do not just prepare but truly understand the mechanics of an OSCE. We dissect each step by helping you:
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Understand pacing and timings.
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Improved confidence.
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Deal with anxieties associated with OSCE.
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Learn how to make the most out of patient interactions in a simulated setting.
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Anjali Chadha - Module Teacher
With over 20 years of experience as a workshop facilitator and trainer, Anjali has designed and delivered courses on communication skills for a wide portfolio of clients.
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Anjali has a vast knowledge of all the major medical exams, including OSCE, for all courses from medical students, nurse’s programs to MPAS. The MRCP, PACES, The PLABS and the Competency Tests for the General Medical Council, to name a few.
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Anjali was one of the medical educators selected who set the 2023 exam scenarios for the final medical student for Imperial College, London.
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​"In the 23 years I have been involved in medical education, I am adamant about not waiting for exam season to start OSCE prep. This approach is about temporarily learning enough to get by the exam. Something to get over and done with. But there will be next year's exams.
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There is a stark difference between trying to get through the OSCE exam and those who really have an in-depth understanding of what a consultation takes and how to apply it.
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But here is another thing, examiners and simulated patients can see differences almost immediately. That will make a difference to your global mark. Great pass or borderline pass. Every mark adds up.”
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Classes
TeachTrainGo's Modules have been designed to be taken in order starting with module 1.
OSCE Module1 - History Taking
Module 1 begins with an in-depth look at the OSCE exams, focusing on history-taking stations.
Using example scenarios, we will look at
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How to structure history-taking,
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How to break down timings
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Understand different types of history-taking.
We will look at how to speak to and gain a patient's trust to get the maximum information to determine a top and differential diagnosis correctly.
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Participants will also partake in group and individual scenarios.
OSCE Module 2 - Communication and Information giving
Module 2 builds from what is learnt from the previous module and continues on to Communication stations.
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Module two, again using scenarios, will take a look at:
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The different types of communication stations there are.
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How to understand what information needs to be given and communicated.
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How to approach each different station successfully.
Participants will also partake in group and individual scenarios.
OSCE Module 3 - Practical Examination and Multitask Stations
Module 3 will focus on helping students to negotiate scenarios where there may be multiple tasks within one station.
Multitask stations can feel overwhelming.
A station where a candidate has to take a focused history, then demonstrate an examination whilst talking to the patient and getting results from the examiner before giving feedback can lose its structure easily.
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We’ll break down each step.
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Look at how to communicate effectively with both patient and examiner to make the most of the task and time.
Participants will also partake in group and individual scenarios.
OSCE Play - 2 hours of OSCE practical play
As a medical student, you probably think the words 'OSCE' and 'play' do not go together. But here at our OSCE play session, they do. Our two hour sessions will demystify the fear of ‘performing’ in an OSCE.
OSCE Top Up - Regular tops ups to keep your hand in the game.
For those students who have completed our three-module course and would like top-ups as they proceed into higher years, this is for you.
The OSCE exam is something you will need to do every year, and more will be required from you. Therefore, OSCE Top Up will help you recall everything you were taught in modules 1, 2, and 3 and provide updated and fresh information.