OSCE Toolbox

By Amina Adnan • June 22, 2024 • Last reviewed: 24/09/24 •

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Summary

In this scenario, the community pharmacist counsels a patient who has come in asking for emergency contraception. The student must take a history and suggest an appropriate management plan.

Please ensure that this scenario and mark scheme aligns with the most up-to-date guidelines from the UK NICE and the BNF when using it for your OSCE assessment.

You will need a student pharmacist and an actor for this OSCE station.

Revision Topics

Be aware, this may reveal any answers!

Student Instructions

Actor Instructions

Mark Scheme

Introduction

0 / 2

Introduce yourself with an appropriate greeting

+1

Confirm patient details: Name and age

+1

Advice

0 / 3

Patient Safety Advice (Maximum 3 marks awarded):

A pregnancy test can be taken after four weeks of Copper IUD insertion. After that, a pregnancy test is usually not necessary unless you develop pelvic pain or pregnancy symptoms

for example, nausea, vomiting, sore breasts, dizziness.

The thread must be checked regularly e.g. every menstrual period

It can be removed at any time if you want to become pregnant and there is no delay in the return to fertility

The copper IUD does not protect against STIs—only a barrier method of contraception e.g. condoms. However, STI is unlikely if patient has a long-term partner

Provides information on testing for any sexually transmitted infections

Mark 1

+1

Mark 2

+1

Mark 3

+1

Safety Netting

0 / 4

Seek medical attention if (Maximum 4 marks awarded): :

There are menstrual abnormalities for longer than the initial 6 months of use

You experience symptoms of PID - pain/ tenderness in the lower abdomen, fever, odour, discharge- especially in the first month of insertion

You experience mild lower abdominal pain and lost thread and pain at the time of insertion

Indicative of uterine rupture

The device causes pain during sex

You experience any of the above risks and adverse effects.

Mark 1

+1

Mark 2

+1

Mark 3

+1

Mark 4

+1

Communication

0 / 4

Knowledge and understanding of the topic are apparent, demonstrate appropriate empathy and ensure the patient's understanding

+1

Signposts to further resources and written information on the copper IUD (e.g. NHS website)

+1

Concludes the conversation well by asking if there are any further questions

+1

The student did not say anything that could harm the patient

+1

This includes but is not limited to, providing incorrect information or medication, misdiagnosing conditions, neglecting to inquire about allergies, making incorrect referrals, or failing to act on red-flag symptoms.

Any criteria marked in red must be met to pass this station.