All station types
CPSA · OSCE station
History-taking
Focused or full history from a simulated patient — elicit the story, explore ICE, form a differential.
The exam samples a focused history against a presenting complaint — you have ~2 min to read the brief and ~9 min in station. A structured, fluent history that clearly builds a differential scores in *all* domains at once.
A structured approach
Open
- 1Wash hands, introduce yourself, confirm identity, gain consent
- 2Open question — “What’s brought you in today?” — and let them talk without interrupting
- 3Signpost what you’ll cover
The complaint
- 1Explore the presenting complaint fully (e.g. SOCRATES for pain)
- 2Relevant systems review; targeted associated symptoms & red flags
- 3Screen your differentials with discriminating questions
The background
- 1PMH, drug history + allergies, family history
- 2Social history — smoking, alcohol, occupation, function, home support
- 3Explore ICE — ideas, concerns, expectations
Close
- 1Summarise back to the patient; ask if you’ve missed anything
- 2Offer a brief explanation / next steps and safety-net
- 3Thank them; present a concise summary + differential to the examiner
What the examiner wants
- A clear, logical structure that doesn’t miss key domains
- Genuine exploration of ICE (not a token tick-box)
- A sensible, prioritised differential that the history actually supports
- Red-flag screening appropriate to the complaint
OSCE tips
- ICE is where marks are won and lost — ask, and *respond* to what they say.
- Summarise back — it buys thinking time and scores communication.
- Don’t interrupt the opening statement; most diagnoses are in the first minute.
- End with a differential, not a list of everything you asked.
Marking domains
Every station is scored against these. The ones this type leans on most are highlighted.
Data gathering
Right questions, focused examination, relevant investigations.
Clinical reasoning & management
Plausible diagnosis, sensible investigations, safe evidence-based management.
Communication
Active listening, clear explanation, exploring concerns (ICE), shared decisions, safety-netting.
Professional behaviour
Rapport, respect, empathy, handling challenge, honesty.
Patient safety
Recognising and responding to safety-critical issues; escalation.
Topics that appear
GastrointestinalCardiovascularRespiratoryNeurologicalAbdominalThyroidBreastSocial & drug historySmoking & alcoholUrological / gynaeLocomotorVascular
History frameworks
Focused questions, differentials & red flags for the common complaints — in Finalist.
Guide library
Jump straight to the step-by-step guide for a specific station — and rate your confidence in each.
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