The Aim of the
Examination
The aim of the examination is to assess whether candidates have
reached the standard in clinical skills expected of a newly
appointed Specialist Registrar.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate proficiency in:
- Communication
- History-taking and management planning
- Establishing rapport with both parents and children
- Physical examination
- Child development
- Clinical judgement
- Organisation of thoughts and actions
- Recognition of acute illness
- Knowledge of paediatrics and child health
- Professional behaviour
- Ethical practice
The MRCPCH Clinical examination follows an OSCE style
format. Stations are set to test candidates in:
- Child Development
- Communication Skills
- History-Taking and Management Planning
- Recognition and diagnosis of clinical signs and symptoms
- Physical examination skills
A diagram showing the order of stations around
the circuit can be accessed here:
MRCPCH Clinical Circuit (January
2009) (6KB)
Examiner and Candidate Guide
Notes
Guide Notes for
Candidates (138KB - revised April 2009)
Information for Hosts and
Examiners (228KB - revised June
2010)
Information
for Senior Examiners (152KB - revised April
2009)
For guidance on what is expected of candidates when
performing clinical examinations of children please refer to the
following document:
MRCPCH
Clinical Exam Technique (123KB - revised June
2010)
Sample Communication Skills
Scenarios
In each of these stations candidates are expected to
specifically display their competence in communication. The
candidate is given a task that will involve them being asked to
impart and discuss information with a child, parent or
colleague.
Some examples of scenarios used at these stations can be found
below.
MRCPCH Clinical Video Scenarios
Station
Candidates will be given time to read instructions relating to
the Video Scenarios software before they begin their examination.
Further guidance is available in the following document:
Clinical Video Scenarios User
Guide
Mark Sheets
Below are sample copies of the mark sheets to be used in the
examination. The layout may be slightly different for the actual
examination but the content and structure will not. Similar to the
answer sheets used in our written examinations, candidates must
enter their name and code number on every mark sheet.
Developmental Station
Communications A
History-Taking and Management Planning
Skills
Communications B
Clinical
Examination Station - CVS
Clinical
Examination Station - Respiratory/Other
Clinical Examination Station -
Abdominal/Other
Clinical Examination Station -
MSK/Other
Clinical Examination Station -
Neuro
Anchor Statements
Anchor statements outlining the expected general standard for
each station are provided to all examiners in order to aid them
reach their overall judgements.
Anchor Development
Anchor Communication
Anchor History Taking
Anchor Clinical Exam Station