Timing
The Foundations Phase OSCE is given in two parts and testing dates will be assigned by College:
- Foundations Part 1: Spring of year 1 of the Foundations Phase (Term 2)
- Foundations Part 2: Fall of year 2 of the Foundations Phase (Term 3)
Content
The Foundations OSCE are primarily based on the Foundations of Clinical Medicine (MEDSCI 502) Core Clinical Skills (see FCM Canvas page, Core Clinical Skills on left side). Any content that has been covered up to that point may be included in the Foundations OSCEs. Learning objectives that may be tested fall under:
- Medical Interviewing
- Physical Examination
- Content from Workshop Modules
Note that only content that has been covered by all students will be included in the OSCEs.
Format
A typical Foundations OSCE case with a standardized patient will include 2 minutes to read instructions, 8 minutes with the patient, and 3 minutes for feedback. Some cases may be shorter depending on the nature of the case.
Carefully read the instructions, and then focus on taking care of the patient as you would in a real patient encounter.
- You may be asked to take a history from a patient. In addition to exploring the chief concern, you should ask about other medical problems, past medical history, medications, allergies, and pertinent family or social issues.
- An example of student instructions for a history station
- You may be asked to perform a specific physical diagnosis task in accordance with what you have been taught in the Foundations of Clinical Medicine. Read the instructions carefully: you may be asked NOT to obtain a history because the focus is on physical examinations skills.
- An example of student instructions for a physical exam station
- There are other formats that you may encounter: you may be asked to examine a mannequin, answer questions about a case, or work through a computer simulation.
The video linked below describes the process of a typical OSCE station.
Grading
In an encounter with a standardized patient, observers (trained standardized patients or clinicians) are evaluating your history and examination skills as well as your communication skills. For each OSCE station, you will receive a grade of Exceeds Expectations, Meets Expectations, or Needs Development. You will be notified of your grade for each station after all students have completed the exam.