All you need to know about MRCGP Clinical Skills Assessment Examination
Posted by CSA ABC on January 25th, 2019
The main objective of the clinical skills assessment is to test a GP’scapabilities to collect the information and application of the learned understanding of the disease and base their treatment and patient care appropriately in a standardised context. Doctors are also required to make evidence-based decisions and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues alike. Testing of the above-mentioned skills integrated together effectively is the main goal behind this assessment.
CSA ABC is running the video courses as well as 1-2-1 coaching classes to prepare you well for the MRCGP CSA Course assessment and get through successfully. With the enrolment to the above course, you also get free access to the CSA consultation videos as well as other stuff. Some of these courses also come with the ‘Gold Protection', wherein you don't need to pay in case you do not pass. Depending upon the requirement, one can also opt for the Skype coaching. Get in touch for further details.
More about the Clinical Skill Assessment Format
The CSA is a high-allegiance skill assessment program run by RCGP, which is majorlybased upon the popular and proven OSCE format. It allows the external and objective assessment of a GP’s skills on a standard and pre-determined assessment level. CSAis backed up by the realistic simulation of real-life consultations. Role-plays are prominent here wherein patients are played by trained and calibrated actors, and these realistic simulations are written as well astested by practising GPs.
Each candidate is allocated a consulting room and has 13 ten-minute consultations.
Areas of Assessment
Clinical skill assessment focuses on testing following areas under a general practitioner's curriculum.
1. Primary Care Management: This revolves around the proper understanding as well as management of medical conditions falling under the primary care. Primary care includes prevention of diseases, health promotion, health maintenance, counselling, patient education, diagnosis and treatment of chronicas well as acute illnesses in a variety of health care settings.
2. Skills to solve the complex problems: A doctor is tested on the grounds of his/her ability to collect and interpret the data to draw the clinicaljudgment. Further, the case investigation and the choice of examination leads to the structured approach of decision-making, which is ultimately used to solve the problem at hand.
3.Comprehensive approach: Another area under the scrutiny is the comprehensive approach followed by the GP. It includes the demonstration of proficiency in the management of the illness when there are multiple other symptoms present along with the primary disease-causing ones. It requires the administration of suitable treatment, keeping an eye on the risk factors involved.
4.Patient-centric approach: A skilled GP maintains regular communication with the patient and follows the recognised techniques of the consultation. This allows the promotion of the shared approach while managing the various issues instilling the confidence of the patient in the treatment being administered. CSA tests this aspect closely during the assessment.
5.Attitude Assessment: A practise conducted ethically with due respect to the equality as well as diversity while dealing with the patients or fellow colleagues is paramount in the medical profession. MRCGP CSA Course assessment examines a GP on the grounds of professional codes of conduct, laid out by the medical fraternity for the smooth functioning and quality maintenance of the healthcare services.
6.Clinical Practical Skills: It tests the ability to perform the physical examination of the patient as well as thorough knowledge of the functioning and the usage of the diagnostic and the therapeutic equipment.
The inclusion of Paediatric Cases
Along with other cases, one of the cases involving a child is always included in the MRCGP CSA Course examination. This is achieved through a third party wherein a parent comes along presenting with the concern about their child.
It is further noteworthy that the British National Formulary (BNF) for children has now been officially included in the list of equipment. Going forth, testing GPs are required to bring the same while coming for the CSA examination.
Equipment required to be brought
Candidates should bring along a doctor’s bag containing the usual diagnostic equipment as under
1) BNF for adults
2) BNF for children
3) Stethoscope
4) Ophthalmoscope
5) Auroscope
6) Thermometer
7) Tape measure
8) Peak flow meter and disposable mouthpieces
Dress Code
While taking the examination, each candidate is required to adhere to the professional physician dress code.
With their proven track record and guided methodology, CSA ABC can help you prepare well for the MRCGP CSA Course examination. Get in touch for further details.
