Communication Station

Strategy

This station is a test of your soft skills- e.g. communication and professionalism. It is not primarily a test of your clinical knowledge however from the list below you can note having the basic clinical knowledge can be essential. Many of the scenarios aim to test a range of core themes. 

Often the actors will have a core concern that they'll only reveal upon direct answering. Questions around how this impacts their activities of daily living and their ideas, concerns and expectations are key. 

List of Common Scenarios

Core Themes

1. Breaking bad news

2. Explanation of conditions, investigations or management

3. Complaints

4. Capacity and consent

5. Confidentiality

6. Mistake and duty of candour

Common examples

1. Explain finding of a new lump on CT scan ?cancer

2. Unable to drive post stroke/ seizure

3. New diagnosis of diabetes- explanation and counsel

4. Explain and consent for a bedside procedures: lumbar puncture, ascitic drain or chest drain

5. Dealing with a family complaint

6. End of life discussion with DNR, ceiling of care, POA and NOK relevance

7. Explain to an angry family member about prescription error you have made