Dear All

Thank you for participating in the session today.

In RRR we discussed:

• Delayed Puberty – causes
• Epileptic seizures – various ‘types’.
• Congestive Heart Failure – Symptoms & Signs

Dr AG gave a presentation on Communication Station – How, What, Do’s, Don’ts and what is expected of you to get full marks. It is the most important skill with 26 or 82 marks in the whole exam.

The communication scenario was a 1 year old admitted and had a very difficult cannulation with traumatised parents. Due to needle stick injury to medical staff consent for further blood sample is required from parent. Dr A was an excellent Role Player and Dr S took the hot seat. Dr M & Dt T had the examiner hats. Dr S made a good attempt. The start was good but then it went south and towards the end seemed like a ‘fight’ as commented by one member. Remember we have to find positives for all making it a Win – Win situation. Our examiners suggested how the scenario could have been approached. We accept it is easier commenting from the sideline and the hotseat is a very difficult place to be.

The Learning points are:

• Introduction and Rapport is essential.
• Rapport is easier when positives are discussed initially.
• Listen to the Role player and get to their agenda – point of view.
• Do not get flustered when Role player gets ‘upset’
• Let them vent their feelings – listen quietly – note main points
• Step back and defuse the situation
• Task is important but a Dialogue is more important
• Win – Win: when there are positives for both parties
• If I expect all with no benefit for the other – unlikely to comply.
• Avoid medical jargon – ‘transmissible disease’
• Request is a ‘favour’ and not a right which patient has to comply.

Video recording of the session will be available for members.

Please visit www.mrcpchonline.org to add your comments or to add points I may have missed.

Anil Garg