In-depth, exam-focused guides written for UK medical students — covering every major OSCE station type.
Master foot and ankle examination for OSCEs: look-feel-move, Ottawa rules, special tests, gait, and common pathologies including plantar fasciitis and Achilles.
Complete IBD history taking OSCE guide: distinguish Crohn's from UC, extraintestinal manifestations, stool chart, medications, surgical history, and quality of life.
Master spleen and liver examination for OSCEs: palpation technique, Traube's space, Castell's sign, balloting, causes of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, portal hypertension.
Complete dementia history taking OSCE guide: onset, progression, cognitive domains, MMSE/MoCA, carer history, driving, capacity, and safeguarding considerations.
Master chest drain management for OSCEs: indications, underwater seal mechanism, drainage assessment, troubleshooting, removal criteria, and pneumothorax vs pleural effusion.
Proven OSCE exam day strategies for UK medical students: bell timing, station recovery, professional appearance, and what examiners really mark you on.
Step-by-step female pelvic examination OSCE guide: speculum technique, bimanual examination, cervical smear, chaperone, consent, and mark scheme for UK medical students.
Complete prostate examination OSCE guide for UK medical students: DRE technique, IPSS score, PSA counselling, BPH vs malignancy findings, consent, and mark scheme.
Master social history taking in OSCEs with the SADMA framework, occupational history, housing, travel, functional status, and IADL assessment for UK medical students.
Master inguinal region examination for your OSCE: inguinal vs femoral hernia, cough impulse, reducibility, lymphadenopathy, varicocele and hydrocele with UK mark scheme.
Complete psychiatric medication counselling OSCE guide: SSRIs, antipsychotics, lithium monitoring, side effects, adherence, and stopping safely for UK medical students.
Master abdominal mass history taking for your OSCE: SOCRATES approach, regional differentials, red flags, associated symptoms, and investigations for UK medical students.
Master giving bad news by telephone in your OSCE: SPIKES adaptation, preparation, safety-netting, support, and documentation for UK medical students.
Complete postpartum haemorrhage OSCE guide: definition, 4T causes, immediate management, oxytocin, uterine massage, team communication, and mark scheme for UK students.
Master ENT examination for your OSCE: otoscopy technique, Rinne and Weber tests, nasal examination, oropharynx, neck lymph nodes, and voice assessment with UK mark scheme.
Master knee special tests for your OSCE: Lachman test, anterior and posterior drawer, McMurray, Thessaly, valgus/varus stress, and patella apprehension with UK mark scheme.
Complete SLE history taking OSCE guide: ACR/SLICC criteria mnemonic, malar rash, photosensitivity, renal involvement, ANA/dsDNA, medications, and mark scheme for UK students.
Master skin wound closure for your OSCE: interrupted sutures, mattress sutures, staples, tissue glue, wound assessment, infection signs, and aftercare for UK medical students.
Complete paediatric growth assessment OSCE guide: centile charts, height velocity, failure to thrive, tall stature differentials, growth hormone deficiency for UK medical students.
Step-by-step shoulder injection OSCE guide: subacromial injection landmarks, glenohumeral aspiration, consent, indications, complications, and aftercare for UK medical students.
Cough history taking OSCE guide covering infection, asthma, GORD, malignancy, ACE inhibitor, TB, PE, ILD and cardiac causes with mark scheme tips.
Chronic liver disease history OSCE guide: alcohol, NAFLD, viral hepatitis, autoimmune causes, symptoms, stigmata, complications, and investigations with mark scheme.
Breast lump history taking OSCE guide: SOCRATES for the lump, malignancy red flags, triple assessment, breast cancer risk factors, and mark scheme tips.
Urinary incontinence OSCE history guide: stress vs urge vs overflow vs mixed types, pelvic floor, prostate, medications, quality of life, and mark scheme tips.
Acute red eye OSCE guide covering conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, acute angle-closure glaucoma, scleritis, episcleritis, and subconjunctival haemorrhage with mark scheme.
Heart sounds and murmurs OSCE guide: S1/S2, S3/S4, systolic vs diastolic, grading, auscultation positions, common valvular lesions, and mark scheme tips.
Upper limb neurological examination OSCE: tone, power MRC scale, reflexes, coordination, sensation, UMN vs LMN patterns, and full mark scheme with examiner tips.
Fatigue history OSCE guide: anaemia, hypothyroidism, depression, diabetes, malignancy, CKD, heart failure, sleep disorders — systematic approach and mark scheme.
Eating disorder history OSCE guide: anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, ARFID, SCOFF questionnaire, physical complications, safeguarding, and sensitive communication.
Overdose and self-harm history OSCE: risk assessment, intent, circumstances, MSE, safeguarding, management plan, and sensitive communication mark scheme guide.
Master the lower limb neurological examination OSCE: tone, MRC power grading, reflexes, Babinski, coordination, sensation, and UMN vs LMN differentials.
Nausea and vomiting history OSCE guide for UK medical students: SOCRATES approach, key differentials, red flags, and examiner mark-scheme tips.
Leg ulcer assessment OSCE guide: venous vs arterial vs neuropathic ulcer features, ABPI interpretation, Buerger's test, and management principles for UK finals.
Seizure history taking OSCE guide: first seizure vs known epilepsy, pre/ictal/post-ictal phases, focal vs generalised, DVLA driving rules, and medication concordance.
Rheumatoid arthritis history OSCE guide: morning stiffness, symmetrical joint involvement, DAS28, extra-articular features, DMARDs, biologics counselling for UK finals.
Surgical scrub technique OSCE guide: WHO scrub steps, gowning, gloving, maintaining sterility, theatre etiquette, and common examiner mark-scheme points for UK finals.
Ascites examination OSCE guide: inspection, shifting dullness, fluid thrill, common causes, SAAG interpretation, and diagnostic paracentesis indications for UK finals.
Lower limb musculoskeletal examination OSCE: look-feel-move, hip-knee-ankle assessment, vascular screen, neurological screen, and knee special tests including Lachman and McMurray.
Intimate partner violence OSCE guide: safe enquiry, DASH risk assessment, safeguarding, multi-agency referral, MARAC, and documentation for UK medical students.
Long COVID history taking OSCE guide: NICE diagnostic criteria, fatigue, breathlessness, brain fog, pain symptom clusters, investigations, and management for UK medical students.
The definitive guide to OSCE revision for UK medical students. How to structure your preparation, what examiners actually mark, common mistakes, and how to practise effectively in the final weeks before your exam.
How to get better at OSCE history taking: the right practice methods, what to focus on, common frameworks, and how to use AI patients and study partners to build real exam-day skill.
An honest comparison of the best OSCE revision tools available to UK medical students in 2026 — AI voice patients, clinical skills guides, question banks, and free resources.
Master the Glasgow Coma Scale for OSCEs. Eye, verbal, and motor scoring with exact assessment technique, documentation, clinical interpretation, and management thresholds — including when to escalate.
Complete guide to blood pressure measurement in OSCEs. Manual sphygmomanometer technique, cuff selection, postural hypotension assessment, hypertension staging, and correct documentation — with common examiner questions answered.
Complete anaphylaxis OSCE guide. Recognise anaphylaxis, administer adrenaline correctly, deliver immediate management in the right sequence, and counsel patients on allergen avoidance and auto-injector use.
Master adult basic life support for OSCEs. Unresponsive patient assessment, chest compression technique, rescue breaths, AED use, and recovery position — with exact Resuscitation Council UK 2021 guidelines and OSCE marking criteria.
Complete delirium OSCE guide for UK medical students. Use the 4AT tool confidently, identify precipitants and predisposing factors, differentiate delirium from dementia, and counsel families — with full management approach.
Master frailty assessment for OSCEs. Apply the Clinical Frailty Scale, understand the five frailty phenotype domains, conduct a targeted comprehensive geriatric assessment, and sensitively explore goals of care with patients and families.
Complete acute asthma OSCE guide. Classify severity using BTS/SIGN criteria, deliver correct immediate management, prescribe oxygen and bronchodilators accurately, and know when to escalate — including life-threatening asthma features.
Complete nutrition screening OSCE guide. Calculate and interpret the MUST score, take a focused nutritional history, identify malnutrition risk, and counsel patients on dietary improvement and supplementation — including nasogastric and parenteral feeding indications.
Master discharge planning for OSCEs. Structure a safe discharge, complete a TTO prescription, arrange community follow-up, identify patients unsuitable for discharge, and communicate effectively with patients, families, and GPs.
Complete perioperative care OSCE guide. Structure a pre-operative assessment, identify surgical risk factors, perform WHO surgical safety checklist, obtain valid surgical consent, and recognise and manage common post-operative complications.
Complete AKI OSCE guide for UK medical students. Classify AKI using KDIGO criteria, work through pre-renal, intrinsic, and post-renal causes systematically, prescribe fluid resuscitation correctly, and identify indications for urgent renal replacement therapy.
Complete stroke and TIA OSCE guide. Recognise stroke using FAST and ROSIER, apply the NIHSS, stratify TIA risk with the ABCD2 score, counsel on secondary prevention, and know the thrombolysis time window and contraindications.
Complete diabetic ketoacidosis OSCE guide. Diagnose DKA using the biochemical triad, prescribe fixed-rate IV insulin and fluid correctly, manage potassium safely, identify the precipitant, and know when to escalate — including HHS comparison.
Complete ACS OSCE guide. Distinguish STEMI from NSTEMI/UA, apply the GRACE score, prescribe MONA and dual antiplatelet therapy correctly, interpret ECG changes, and counsel on secondary prevention — with exact UK management pathways.
Complete paracetamol overdose OSCE guide for UK medical students. Assess overdose risk using the Rumack-Matthew nomogram, prescribe N-acetylcysteine correctly, recognise hepatotoxicity, manage the psychiatric aspects, and counsel safely.
Complete upper GI bleeding OSCE guide. Recognise haematemesis and melaena, apply the Glasgow-Blatchford score to guide admission decisions, resuscitate correctly, and understand endoscopic management — with Rockall score for post-endoscopy risk.
Complete shock OSCE guide. Identify the four types of shock using clinical features and haemodynamic parameters, apply a systematic ABCDE assessment, prescribe fluid resuscitation correctly, and know when vasopressors and specialist escalation are needed.
Complete wrist examination OSCE guide. Systematic look, feel, move approach with special tests for carpal tunnel syndrome, scaphoid fracture, DRUJ instability, TFCC injury, and De Quervain's tenosynovitis — with examiner-ready presentations.
Complete pain OSCE guide. Take a systematic pain history using SOCRATES, apply the WHO analgesic ladder, prescribe opioids and adjuvants safely, assess acute versus chronic pain, and counsel patients on multimodal analgesia — including post-operative pain management.
Complete fluid balance OSCE guide for UK medical students. Assess fluid status clinically, prescribe IV maintenance fluids using NICE guidelines, correct common electrolyte disturbances safely, and avoid the most common fluid prescribing errors on the ward.
Complete pulmonary embolism OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the Wells PE score, interpret D-dimer correctly, understand CTPA indications, prescribe anticoagulation, and recognise massive PE requiring thrombolysis — with PESI score and BTS 2023 guidance.
Complete DVT OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the Wells DVT score, understand compression Doppler ultrasound, prescribe anticoagulation correctly, differentiate DVT from cellulitis, and counsel patients on treatment and recurrence prevention.
Complete meningitis OSCE guide for UK medical students. Recognise bacterial and viral meningitis, apply the clinical features and Kernig's and Brudzinski's signs, know the empirical antibiotic regimen, interpret CSF results, and manage raised ICP — with meningococcal septicaemia.
Complete acute heart failure OSCE guide. Recognise acute decompensated heart failure clinically and on investigations, prescribe IV furosemide and GTN correctly, understand the role of NIV and CPAP, stratify severity, and know when to escalate to ITU.
Complete COPD exacerbation OSCE guide. Classify severity, prescribe controlled oxygen to target saturations, initiate nebulisers and steroids correctly, interpret ABG in type 2 respiratory failure, apply NIV criteria, and plan safe discharge with follow-up.
Complete septic arthritis OSCE guide for UK medical students. Assess the hot swollen joint systematically, apply the Kocher criteria, understand joint aspiration and synovial fluid interpretation, prescribe empirical antibiotics correctly, and differentiate from crystal arthropathy.
Complete AF management OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the CHA2DS2-VASc score, prescribe rate and rhythm control medications correctly, understand DC cardioversion indications, and counsel patients on anticoagulation options — with NICE 2021 guidance.
Complete UTI OSCE guide for UK medical students. Diagnose uncomplicated and complicated UTI, interpret urine dipstick and MC&S correctly, prescribe antibiotics using PHE guidelines, manage recurrent UTI, and assess catheter-associated infections.
Complete community-acquired pneumonia OSCE guide. Apply the CURB-65 score to guide severity and admission decisions, prescribe the correct empirical antibiotic regimen, interpret the CXR, and plan safe discharge — with hospital-acquired and atypical pneumonia covered.
Complete hypertension management OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the NICE AB/CD rule for antihypertensive step therapy, counsel on lifestyle modification, interpret ABPM results, identify secondary causes, and manage hypertensive urgency.
Complete diabetes management OSCE guide. Differentiate T1DM from T2DM, apply NICE HbA1c targets, prescribe metformin and insulin correctly, recognise hypoglycaemia, counsel on sick day rules, and manage diabetic complications — with SGLT-2 inhibitor and GLP-1 receptor agonist indications.
Complete CKD OSCE guide for UK medical students. Stage CKD using KDIGO eGFR and ACR categories, recognise and manage CKD complications (anaemia, bone disease, hyperkalaemia), prescribe safely in renal impairment, and identify when to refer to nephrology.
Complete cervical spine OSCE examination guide. Systematic LOOK, FEEL, MOVE approach, cervical range of motion, Spurling's test for radiculopathy, upper limb neurological examination, and red flags requiring urgent imaging — with common conditions and examiner presentation.
Complete lower GI bleeding OSCE guide. Take a systematic rectal bleeding history, apply the NICE two-week wait criteria for colorectal cancer, use the PR examination findings to narrow the differential, and structure the investigation pathway from colonoscopy to CT angiography.
Complete cellulitis OSCE guide for UK medical students. Stage cellulitis using the Eron classification, prescribe antibiotics at the correct dose and route, differentiate from DVT and other mimics, identify complications requiring escalation, and plan safe discharge.
Complete paediatric fever OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the NICE traffic light assessment, identify features of serious bacterial infection and septicaemia, use age-appropriate vital sign thresholds, manage fever safely with antipyretics, and know when to admit.
Complete osteoporosis OSCE guide for UK medical students. Apply the FRAX score and QFracture tool, interpret DEXA T-scores, prescribe bisphosphonates safely, counsel on calcium and vitamin D, and integrate falls prevention into osteoporosis management.
Complete anticoagulation counselling OSCE guide for UK medical students. Counsel patients on warfarin (INR targets, interactions, sick day rules) and DOACs (missed doses, reversal agents), explain bleeding risks clearly, and advise on lifestyle, procedures, and when to seek help.
Master the GALS musculoskeletal screen for your OSCE — the three standard screening questions, each domain assessed step by step, documentation format, and common rheumatological findings.
Master the explaining a diagnosis communication OSCE with the Calgary-Cambridge framework, ICE elicitation, chunk-and-check technique, teach-back, and example scripts for diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.
Master the digital rectal examination: prostate grading, anal tone, faecal impaction, perianal inspection, and consent framework for UK OSCEs.
Interpret urine dipstick results confidently: leucocytes, nitrites, protein, blood, ketones, glucose. UTI, nephrotic syndrome, DKA, and haematuria explained.
Master sepsis recognition, the Sepsis Six bundle, NEWS2 scoring, SIRS criteria, septic shock, lactate, and blood cultures for UK OSCE stations.
Prescribe oxygen safely in UK OSCEs: target saturations, COPD hypercapnic drive, non-rebreather mask, Venturi mask, nasal cannulae, and drug chart documentation.
Master the paediatric OSCE: child examination approach, developmental milestones, growth chart interpretation, fontanelle assessment, GALS in children, and safeguarding.
Master gait analysis for OSCEs: antalgic, Trendelenburg, parkinsonian, cerebellar ataxia, foot drop, scissor, and sensory ataxic gaits with clinical causes.
Interpret arterial blood gases step by step: pH, PaCO₂, HCO₃⁻, compensation, metabolic acidosis, respiratory alkalosis, and the tic-tac-toe method explained.
Master cerebellar examination: DANISH mnemonic, finger-nose test, dysdiadochokinesis, heel-shin test, nystagmus, dysarthria, and cerebellar causes for UK OSCEs.
Master intramuscular and subcutaneous injection technique for OSCEs: site selection, Z-track method, ANTT, insulin injection, sharps disposal, and common errors.
Master medication review for UK OSCEs: STOPP/START criteria, polypharmacy, deprescribing, Beers criteria, anticholinergic burden, and structured consultation framework.
ECG interpretation OSCE guide. 8-step RRAPQRST system covering STEMI territories, bundle branch blocks, AF, heart blocks, hyperkalaemia, and full presentation scripts.
MSK history OSCE guide. Morning stiffness discriminator, joint distribution patterns, RA vs OA vs gout, extra-articular features, functional impact, and spinal red flags.
Master chest X-ray interpretation for your OSCE. Systematic ABCDEF approach, RIPE adequacy check, key findings (consolidation, effusion, pneumothorax, pulmonary oedema), and how to present your findings to the examiner.
Master the headache history OSCE station. SOCRATES applied to headache, SNOOP red flags, differentiating migraine from SAH, tension headache, cluster headache, and giant cell arteritis — with exact phrases that score marks.
Complete knee examination OSCE guide. Look, feel, move approach, testing for ACL and PCL with Lachman and drawer tests, meniscal tests (McMurray, Thessaly), collateral ligament stress tests, and how to present findings.
Master the diabetes history OSCE station. The 4 Ps of hyperglycaemia, hypoglycaemia symptoms, ABCDEF complications screening, HbA1c targets, medication history, and DVLA implications — with example phrases that score marks.
Master the falls assessment OSCE station. SPLATT history framework, intrinsic vs extrinsic risk factors, screening for postural hypotension and cardiac syncope, Timed Up and Go test, and medication review for falls prevention.
Complete shoulder examination OSCE guide. Look, feel, move approach, painful arc test, rotator cuff special tests (empty can, Hawkins-Kennedy, Neer's), AC joint, biceps tendon, and glenohumeral instability tests — with presenting template.
Master skin lesion examination for your OSCE. Primary and secondary lesion terminology, SSSCCERD description framework, ABCDE of melanoma, distinguishing BCC from SCC, common OSCE findings, and when to refer urgently.
Master the alcohol history and brief intervention OSCE station. CAGE questionnaire, AUDIT screening, dependence features, Wernicke's encephalopathy, FRAMES brief intervention framework, and how to be non-judgmental — with example phrases.
Master IV fluids prescribing for your OSCE. The three indications (resuscitation, replacement, maintenance), which crystalloid to choose, NICE daily maintenance requirements, how to prescribe safely on a drug chart, and when to reassess.
Master the eye history OSCE station. Systematic approach to visual symptoms, differentiating sudden painless vision loss (RSVP mnemonic), painful red eye causes, gradual vision loss, key drug history, and when to refer urgently.
Master inhaler technique for your OSCE. Correct MDI, spacer, and dry powder inhaler steps, the most common technique errors, how to check understanding, peak flow measurement, and what to say if the patient is using it wrong.
Master venepuncture and IV cannulation for your OSCE. Step-by-step technique, correct blood tube order, ANTT principles, choosing the right vein, cannula sizing, complications, and exactly what to say at each step.
Master cognitive assessment for your OSCE. MMSE domains and scoring, MoCA overview, 4AT rapid delirium screen, differentiating delirium from dementia, clock drawing test, and how to sensitively introduce the assessment to a patient.
Master hip examination for your OSCE. Look, feel, move approach, Trendelenburg test, Thomas test for fixed flexion deformity, FABER test, leg length discrepancy, and how to differentiate hip from referred knee pain.
Master the smoking cessation OSCE station. The 5 As framework, Very Brief Advice (VBA), stages of change, NRT options, varenicline and bupropion, FRAMES approach, and how to deliver advice that motivates without lecturing.
Master the spine examination OSCE with Look-Feel-Move-Special Tests, Schober's test, straight leg raise, and the TUNAFISH red flag mnemonic. Includes cauda equina screening and common diagnoses.
Step-by-step ankle and foot examination OSCE guide covering Look-Feel-Move, Ottawa ankle rules, anterior drawer test, talar tilt, Simmonds' test, and common diagnoses including gout and Achilles tendinopathy.
Complete elbow examination OSCE guide covering Look-Feel-Move, Cozen's test for lateral epicondylitis, medial epicondyle stress test, cubital tunnel Tinel's sign, and how to present elbow findings.
Complete lymph node examination OSCE covering cervical chain groups, axillary and inguinal nodes, the STCMT characteristics mnemonic, lymphadenopathy differentials, Virchow's node, and B symptoms in lymphoma.
Step-by-step urinary catheterisation OSCE guide covering male and female technique, ANTT principles, catheter size selection, paraphimosis prevention, common complications, and how to explain the procedure.
Complete wound care and suturing OSCE guide covering wound assessment with the TIME framework, suture type and size selection, simple interrupted technique, local anaesthetic doses, and suture removal timing.
Master the paediatric developmental history OSCE with key milestones across four domains, corrected age for prematurity, developmental red flags, autism screening, and how to communicate with parents sensitively.
Step-by-step eye examination and fundoscopy OSCE guide covering visual acuity, visual fields, RAPD, DVMP fundoscopy framework, and common findings including diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy, and papilloedema.
Master the medication history OSCE with the DRUGS mnemonic, OTC and herbal medicine questioning, allergy characterisation with DRIED, adherence assessment, polypharmacy red flags, and dangerous drug interactions.
Complete testicular and scrotal examination OSCE guide covering inspection, palpation, transillumination, and differentials: hydrocele, varicocele, epididymal cyst, epididymo-orchitis, testicular torsion, and testicular cancer.
Step-by-step hernia examination OSCE guide covering inguinal canal anatomy, direct vs indirect inguinal hernia, femoral hernia, deep ring occlusion test, cough impulse, and strangulation signs.
Complete end-of-life and palliative care OSCE guide covering DNACPR discussions, advance care planning, ADRT vs advance statement, syringe driver medications, WHO pain ladder, and total pain framework.
Master the chest pain history OSCE with SOCRATES, the ACS vs PE vs dissection differential, key red flags, and how to structure a focused chest pain consultation for maximum marks.
Master the syncope and collapse history OSCE covering cardiac vs vasovagal vs neurological causes, DVLA driving restrictions, witness account questioning, and the key red flags that require urgent investigation.
Complete ear examination OSCE guide covering otoscopy technique, Rinne and Weber tuning fork tests, conductive vs sensorineural hearing loss, and common findings including otitis media, glue ear, and perforation.
Step-by-step neonatal examination (NIPE) OSCE guide covering the systematic head-to-toe newborn check, red flags, hip examination with Barlow and Ortolani tests, and red reflex assessment.
Complete thyroid history OSCE guide covering hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism symptoms, FATIGUE and SWEATING mnemonics, Graves' disease features, thyroid cancer red flags, and medication history.
Complete dermatology history OSCE guide covering the SCAM framework for describing skin lesions, differentiating psoriasis from eczema, skin cancer red flags, and systematic skin history taking.
Complete blood transfusion OSCE guide covering the pre-transfusion check, prescribing on the drug chart, transfusion reactions and their management, and how to consent a patient for a blood transfusion.
Step-by-step abdominal X-ray interpretation OSCE guide covering a systematic approach, bowel gas patterns, small vs large bowel obstruction, sigmoid volvulus, toxic megacolon, and free air under the diaphragm.
Master the palpitations history OSCE with a structured approach to characterising palpitations, differentiating AF from SVT from ectopics, identifying red flags, and addressing DVLA driving advice.
Master the haematuria history OSCE covering visible vs non-visible haematuria, bladder and renal cancer red flags, UTI and stone differentials, 2-week wait criteria, and key questions to ask in a urology history.
Master the jaundice history OSCE with a systematic approach to pre-hepatic, hepatic, and post-hepatic causes, dark urine and pale stool questioning, liver disease risk factors, and dangerous red flags.
Master the anaemia history OSCE with a systematic approach to iron deficiency, B12 and folate deficiency, haemolytic, and anaemia of chronic disease — covering symptoms, dietary history, and red flag questions.
Master the dysphagia history OSCE covering mechanical vs motility causes, progressive vs intermittent patterns, achalasia vs oesophageal carcinoma, and the red flags requiring urgent 2-week wait referral.
Master the unintentional weight loss history OSCE with a systematic screen for malignancy, endocrine causes, GI disease, and psychiatric conditions — including the key red flags and investigations to mention.
Master the depression and anxiety history OSCE covering the PHQ-9 SIGECAPS criteria, GAD-7 anxiety screen, suicide and self-harm risk assessment, safeguarding, and how to close the consultation sensitively.
Step-by-step diabetic foot examination OSCE guide covering peripheral neuropathy testing, vascular assessment, foot deformity, ulcer classification with Wagner grades, and multidisciplinary referral pathways.
Step-by-step nasogastric tube insertion OSCE guide covering indications, equipment, insertion technique, pH aspirate testing, X-ray confirmation, and how to avoid dangerous misplacement.
Complete peak flow and spirometry OSCE guide covering correct technique, FEV1/FVC ratio interpretation, obstructive vs restrictive patterns, reversibility testing, and how to explain results to a patient.
Master the heart failure history OSCE covering dyspnoea on exertion, orthopnoea, PND, NYHA functional classification, precipitating causes, and how to differentiate cardiac from respiratory breathlessness.
Complete AAA examination OSCE guide covering aortic palpation technique, the 3 cm diameter threshold, ruptured AAA triad, screening programme, and how to present vascular examination findings.
Master the death certification OSCE — how to confirm death clinically, complete the MCCD, when to refer to the coroner, and what to say to the family. Essential for F1 year.
Master the telephone consultation OSCE station — how to structure a remote history, safety net effectively, decide who needs to come in, and avoid the common pitfalls that lose marks.
Complete OSCE guide to DVLA fitness to drive — Group 1 vs Group 2 licences, key medical conditions, how to tell a patient to stop driving, and when to breach confidentiality.
Master the clinical handover and SBAR escalation OSCE — how to present an unwell patient over the phone, structure an end-of-shift handover, and avoid the communication failures that cause patient harm.
Master the post-operative review OSCE — how to systematically assess a post-op patient, recognise time-critical complications, manage oliguria and fever, and escalate safely.
Everything you need to pass your OSCE — how to structure any station, what examiners actually want, how to handle things going wrong, and a proven revision strategy.
Complete guide to the hand examination OSCE — inspect, palpate, and assess function systematically; distinguish RA from OA; identify key clinical signs; and answer examiner questions.
Master the urological history OSCE — how to take a systematic history for LUTS, haematuria, urinary incontinence, renal colic, and scrotal pain with full red flag screening.
Master the breast examination OSCE — systematic inspection and palpation, how to describe a breast lump, axillary node assessment, nipple discharge, and examiner questions.
Angry and distressed patient OSCE guide. CALM de-escalation framework, NURSE technique, safe apology phrases, and the full examiner mark scheme for UK finals.
Master the upper and lower limb neurological examination for your OSCE — tone, power, reflexes, sensation, coordination, UMN vs LMN signs, and model examiner answers.
Step-by-step guide to passing the peripheral vascular examination OSCE — Buerger's test, ABPI, critical limb ischaemia signs, pulse assessment, and examiner questions.
Complete guide to the thyroid examination OSCE — how to examine a neck lump, assess thyroid status, recognise hyper and hypothyroidism signs, and answer examiner questions.
Master the cranial nerve examination for your OSCE with our step-by-step guide — all 12 cranial nerves, key clinical signs, common lesions, and model examiner answers.
Learn how to sensitively take a sexual health history in your OSCE — structure, exact questions to ask, STI risk assessment, partner notification, and model examiner answers.
Complete abdominal examination guide for OSCEs. Inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, ascites, hernias, and how to present findings.
Master the A-E assessment for OSCEs and clinical practice. Airway, breathing, circulation, disability, and exposure — with exact findings, interventions, and what to say at each step.
Complete respiratory examination for OSCEs. Inspection, expansion, tactile fremitus, percussion, auscultation, breath sounds, and how to distinguish consolidation, effusion, and pneumothorax.
Master the Mental State Examination (MSE) for psychiatry OSCEs. Appearance, behaviour, speech, mood, affect, thought, perception, cognition, and insight with exact clinical descriptions.
How to interpret blood results in OSCEs. Full blood count, urea and electrolytes, liver function tests, and arterial blood gases — with systematic approach, common patterns, and exact presentation phrases.
Consent and capacity OSCE guide. Valid consent, Montgomery ruling, MCA 2005 four-part capacity test, Gillick competence, advance decisions, and what examiners mark.
Complete guide to gynaecology and obstetric history taking in OSCEs. Menstrual history, LMP, obstetric history, pelvic pain, vaginal discharge, and sensitive questioning technique.
How to handle safeguarding OSCE stations. Recognising abuse, building trust, limits of confidentiality, asking the direct question, and what to say when you suspect harm.
Master prescribing safety in OSCEs. Drug chart writing, allergy checks, dose calculations, common prescribing errors, renal dose adjustments, VTE prophylaxis, and efficient BNF use.
Complete cardiovascular examination guide for OSCEs. Peripheral signs, JVP, apex beat, heart sounds, murmur characterisation, and how to present findings to the examiner.
Master paediatric history taking in OSCEs. The 8-component framework, talking to both parent and child, developmental milestones, immunisation history, and safeguarding red flags.
Respiratory history OSCE guide. Covers cough, breathlessness, wheeze, asthma vs COPD, PE, lung cancer red flags, MRC dyspnoea scale, and occupational history.
How to present a patient in your OSCE. Exact structure, what to include and omit, example opening lines, handling examiner questions, and full presentation scripts.
Structured 4-week OSCE revision plan for UK medical students. Week-by-week covering frameworks, clinical stations, difficult conversations, circuits, and exam-week strategy.
Psychiatric history OSCE guide. Covers depression screening, SIGECAPS, anxiety, psychosis, mental state examination, and risk assessment with exact phrases.
Neurological history OSCE guide. Covers headache SNOOP red flags, SAH, weakness localisation, seizure history, dizziness, and UMN vs LMN differentiation.
Abdominal history OSCE guide. Covers pain by quadrant, bowel habit, jaundice, weight loss, key differentials from appendicitis to IBD, and cancer red flags.
How OSCE marking works in UK finals — specific checklist items, global domain ratings, the five most commonly missed marks, and timing strategy for every station.
Complete guide to breaking bad news OSCE stations. Step-by-step SPIKES protocol, exact phrases, handling anger and denial, and what examiners score in UK finals.
The 5 domains used to grade OSCE stations in the UKMLA and UK finals. Exactly what gets 0, 1, or 2 marks in each domain — and how to target your revision.
The most common communication errors UK medical students make in OSCEs — with specific phrases that lose marks and the exact replacements that score them back.
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