The MRCGP CSA exam is not an easy one to crack. Ask those who have appeared for it or are
preparing for the same. The thought of Clinical Skills Assessment sends chills
down the spine of many aspirants but with the right guidance and constant
preparation, you can attempt and pass with flying colours. You can enroll yourself for CSA Course coaching offered by
CSA ABC for better preparation.
The CSA
exam consists of four domains:
1. Data
gathering
2. Technical
and Assessment skills
3. Clinical
Management
4. Interpersonal
skills
So if you
are preparing for MRCGP CSA then follow these tips to pass the exam.
·
Keep
the basics strong
The
exam consists of 13 cases played by simulated patients. You will be given with
2 minutes reading time and 10 minutes for each consultation. The marks are
given on the above four domains. You
will be awarded three marks for aclear pass, two marks for apass, one marks for fail and no marks for clear
fail. You can, however, make up for the
low score in one case with the other consultation.
·
Prepare
in a group
It
has always been advisable to prepare for the exam in a group. All the group
members can role pay as a doctor, patient,
and observer to understand each part well. Being observed during the training
will not make you nervous on the final day and thus, you will not mess up in
front of the examiner. Portraying the role of examiner can also help you to be
clearer about the marking scheme. Start the preparation 6 months before the
examination.
·
Divide
your time
Use
your preparation time wisely by dividing it into three sections
o
Medicine- For good consultation
skills, you need to have a hold of symptoms, management, age group, different
diagnosis.
o
Practicing the explanation- It
should take you a minute to explain the condition and another 1 to 2 minutes to
explain the management. This will come with regular and consistent practice.
o
Observation- While practicing in a
group, take notes of how others are consulting.
·
Practice
Challenging cases
Your
preparation will be incomplete if you don’t work on your weak areas. If you
find it tough to take up a sexual health history case because of the personal
questions that you might need to ask, then you should practice more of such
cases.
For the
best preparation, you can join CSA ABC. It is a website providing CSA courses
through online videos. If you do not
pass, then you do not pay. Visit the website now https://www.csaabc.co.uk for
more information.
