All station types
CPSA · OSCE station
Practical skill / procedure
Demonstrate a GMC practical procedure to competence in the exam setting.
A procedure demonstration station. ANTT, patient safety and a fluent systematic technique are what score — see the 23 practical procedures for the full teaching of each.
A structured approach
Every procedure station
- 1Introduce, confirm identity, explain the procedure and gain consent
- 2Check contraindications & allergies; gather and check equipment
- 3Wash hands, PPE, and use aseptic technique (ANTT) where indicated
- 4Perform the technique fluently and safely; talk through key safety steps
- 5Dispose of sharps immediately; document; give aftercare advice
What the examiner wants
- Consent and a clear explanation to the patient
- Correct, safe technique (ANTT, sharps, patient ID checks)
- Fluency — evidence of genuine practice, not first attempt
- The procedure-specific safety step (e.g. flush to confirm cannula, pH for NG)
OSCE tips
- Narrate your safety steps — examiners can’t award what they don’t see.
- Practise on the model until the sequence is automatic.
- Never re-sheath a needle; sharps straight to the bin.
- Know the one make-or-break safety point for each procedure.
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
Any of the 23 practical procedures