An Insight on key aspects allied to MRCGP CSA Exam

One of three elements of the MRCGP qualification-necessary for GP training in the UK-is the CSA (Clinical Skills Assessment). It is also known by the name of . It aims to test different aspects of general practice. The tests will include general practice, communication skills and an approach that focuses on patients.The examination takes about 3 hours and the first 7 cases take 15 minutes to finish.

During the exam, each candidate has its own space–designed to look like a GP consulting room. The web site of the MRCGP describes the following test areas:

· ­primary health care management.

· Skills of solving problems (e.g. data utilization for efficient decision-making).

· Comprehensive approach (for example, taking co-morbidity and other factors into consideration).

· Care centred on the patient (sharing and involvement of the patient at every stage).

· Attitude aspects (eg. ethics)

· Practical clinical skill (e.g. common test skills, tool use).

These can be tested in various cases like face-to-face consultation, home visit cases and colleagues or third party cases. Each exam can usually be booked for 3-5 days, typically 5 weeks in advance of the examination period.During the exam period of your choice, you can be given any date. You can inform the college of any dates you will struggle with.

Each section is numerically and subjectively marked. The maximum number of marks per case is 9, which means a possible maximum score of 117 (9x 13).The pass mark varies from test to test–it typically goes from low to high 70s (out of 117).The 9 marks are divided into three domains for each case with a maximum of 3 marks for each domain. The following are the three fields:

· Data collection

· Clinical management

· Interpersonal Skills

Data collection assesses your ability to collect data from different sources first and then use them. These include historical facts, testing and interpreting results and clinical letters. The collection of data is not limited to clinical issues–it is also part of comprehension of the thoughts of the patient and influence on their psychosocial life. It is important to be efficient, relevant and systematic as time can quickly add up. Leaving sufficient time for management is essential for the effectiveness of data use.

Clinical management evaluates your ability in the management of the clinical problem. It also evaluates using the data you generated in the management of the entire situation. It may include clinical decision-making, the management of patient expectations, promotion of health and the efficient use of resources.

The ten-minute consultation is completed with interpersonal skills, evaluating your ability to communicate effectively and being patient-centred. It is not just "being good with the patient," as it also focuses on areas such as ethics, equality and diversity.

Thus, we have seen the key details related to MRCGP CSA exam. The is another exam allied to the same field.