Blog

If you are in the final round of preparation for the upcoming MRCP PACES exam, then Clinical Consultation is something you can’t miss. The clinical consultation station in the MRCP PACES exam stands as a pinnacle for assessing a candidate’s ability to address a clinical problem by analyzing a multitude of components. Why is Clinical Consultation the key element in your MRCP PACES exam? We will guide you with an in-depth analysis.

Station 5 is the Integrated Clinical Assessment station, designed to examine the candidates’ ability to address a clinical problem using a combination of focused history-taking, examination, and communication skills with a patient in a way that reflects daily clinical practice.

Why Clinical Consultation Station is Important?

Here, in the case of clinical consultation, the candidate will need to assess two cases of Brief Clinical Consultations. Each case lasts 10 minutes in total, with 8 minutes of candidate interaction with the patient. The Examiners will alert you when 6 minutes have elapsed and will stop you after 8 minutes. At the end of the eight minutes, you will then have two minutes to describe to the examiners the relevant physical findings, your preferred diagnosis, and any differential diagnoses you have in mind. Do not be concerned if you have already discussed the diagnosis with the patient in front of the examiners. The examiners may also ask about any other issues they need to clarify to complete the assessment.

You should aim to elicit sufficient history to make an assessment of the problem presented, and you should carry out an examination that is relevant to assessing the problem and construct a reasonable differential diagnosis and a management plan. Candidates are also expected to respond to the patient’s questions or concerns about the diagnosis, the importance of the problem, the action plan, or any other issues that may arise.

In essence, the Clinical Consultation station epitomizes the combination of clinical knowledge, communication finesse, and professional conduct. Its mastery not only guarantees you success in the MRCP PACES exam but helps you to become a highly proficient physician.

Thinking of how to attend Clinical Consultation the station and what are the things you need to keep in mind? StudyMRCP is here with a series of free session on ‘Clinical Consultation’.

For more details on the Clinical Consultation Station in MRCP PACES, feel free to contact us anytime. We’re here to help!