SPEX SCA Session 1
Video Recording Information
Recorded Consultation Analysis
SCA Hints and Tips
Useful Resources
SPEX SCA
| Overview |
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- Pre-recorded video presentation on ‘Consulting like a GP’
- Tutorial with SPEX educator and Educational Supervisor, including video analysis
| SPEX SCA Session 1: SPEX Start - Foundations for Excellent Consulting |
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This pre-recorded video presentation introduces the SPEX programme, outlines key consultation theory, and provides practical guidance and tips to help Doctors in Training (DiT) consult more effectively. It also introduces self-assessment tools and supports the development of a personalised learning plan to improve consultation skills.
DiT will also be sent a link to access up-to-date information on the Simulated Consultation Assessment (SCA) via the RCGP website, along with our SPEX resource on the ‘Big Four’ key areas for passing the SCA.
Each DiT will be allocated a SPEX educator for their SPEX SCA tutorial, which includes detailed analysis of recorded consultations and tailored feedback to support exam preparation.
| SPEX SCA Tutorial |
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This session is an individualised tutorial with the DiT, their Educational Supervisor and a specially trained SPEX educator. Prior to the tutorial the SPEX Educator will watch three consultation recordings made by the trainee and offer advice on consultation skills focusing on the SCA. Following the tutorial, DiT are encouraged to continue to make recordings of consultations and work on their development with their Educational Supervisor.
Video Recording Information
- iConnect Support Hub - A guide to using the iConnect Record App - step by step instructions
- Patient consent is required for any consultations that are recorded. Find a sample patient consent form at the bottom of the RCGP COT webpage
- Bradford VTS: Recording consultations recording consultations - Bradford VTS
- GMC: Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients - Making and using visual and audio recordings of patients - ethical guidance summary - GMC (gmc-uk.org)
Recorded Consultation Analysis
- North West England Consultation Toolkit on RCGP website
- PDF version
- Presentation video on how to use the toolkit
SCA Hints and Tips
SCA at a glance
- An assessment of twelve simulated consultations, each lasting twelve minutes – audio and video cases
- Conducted remotely in a GP surgery (usually your own)
- Sat only in ST3
- Cases will reflect real life general practice and are based on real patient consultations
- No change to RCGP curriculum
- Physical examinations will not be assessed
Preparation
- Read the most up to date information on the RCGP website carefully
- Use the RCGP SCA information which includes a link to the SCA consultation toolkit as well as videos and webinars
- Use the Consultation Overview and RAG rating within the SCA consultation toolkit to analyse consultations
- Keep consulting and recording – practice is key
- Seek feedback regularly - use joint surgeries, COTs and tutorials with ES
- Practice with peers in small groups is essential – consider practicing in three's with one person playing the patient, one the doctor and one the examiner and rotating
- Cover all the curriculum areas and fill any gaps – see GP curriculum: topic guides on RCGP website
- Consider capabilities that make a safe consultation
- Get a timer on the desk
- Consider aide memoirs next to phone or computer (Consultation Overview document helpful)
- Locate room and test equipment – ‘walk through’ online exam platform 7 days prior
- Ensure do not disturb sign on door to avoid interruptions
Consultation Skills
- ‘Consult like a GP’ rather than a hospital doctor.
- Listen and respond to the patients’ answers
- Make it more like a flowing conversation rather than a list of disjointed questions.
- Establish ICE (all three) and patient’s psychosocial issues and ensure these are taken into account within the management plan.
- Finish data gathering by 6 minutes
- Verbalise your thinking and involve the patient.
- Practice explanations of common conditions so that they are slick
- Make a working diagnosis and a clear shared management plan
- Use Safety netting and follow up appropriately.
- Remember you are only marked on what you say/show so verbalise diagnosis and any investigations that you would do
Marking
- Each case marked in 3 domains: Data gathering & diagnosis; Clinical management & medical complexity; and Relating to others
- Over the 12 cases, the clinical management and medical complexity domain is weighted by a third in comparison to the other 2 domains
- Ensure time is managed to cover important points in all 3 areas
Useful Resources
RCGP - Introducing the SCA
TALC - Consultation Skills