OSCE Toolbox | Travel Counselling - Scenario

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Scenarios

By Femi Lana • May 26, 2026 • Last reviewed: 2026-01-12 •

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Summary Intermediate

In this scenario, the student is working as a community pharmacist and tasked with conducting a travel risk assessment. The student must provide appropriate advice and answer any questions.

Please ensure that this scenario and mark scheme align 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

This may reveal scenario objectives!

You are Nadia El-Sayed (NAH-dee-ah el SAY-ed)

Opening Statement:

“Hi, I’m going abroad as part of my university course and I wanted to check what vaccinations I need.”

Name: Nadia El-Sayed
Age: 21
Address: 6 Hawthorn Close

Main concerns/Travel history:
- “I’m travelling to Uganda for a fieldwork expedition as part of my geography degree.”
- If asked more about the travel details:
- - “I’ll be going in about 6 weeks’ time.”
  - “I’ll be there for 8 weeks.”
  - “Most of the time I’ll be staying in a house in a rural area near Mbale.”
  - “I’ll be living with a local host family, not in student accommodation or hotels.”
  - “I expect we’ll eat mostly home-cooked food, but we’ll also eat out locally.”
  - “I’m not sure if the water will always be safe to drink.”
  - “We’ll be doing a lot of outdoor fieldwork, like mapping land use and collecting environmental data.”
  - “I’ll be outside most days, sometimes from early morning until the evening.”
  - “I’ll be travelling during the rainy season.”
  - “We’ll be travelling around locally, sometimes on foot.”
  - “I know things like malaria are an issue, but I honestly don’t know what vaccines I need.”
Past Medical History:
- “I have asthma, which I’ve had since childhood.”
- “It’s generally well controlled.”
- “I usually only need my inhaler if I get a chest infection or do a lot of exercise.”

Vaccination History:
- “I’m up to date with my routine vaccinations, like childhood vaccines and COVID.”

Medication History:

“I use a salbutamol inhaler 100micrograms when needed”

Allergies:

“I’m allergic to penicillin.”
“I got a widespread rash when I was given it as a child.”

Lifestyle Factors/Social History:
- “I’m a full-time student.”
- “I don’t smoke.”
- “I drink alcohol occasionally, but I don’t expect to drink much while I’m away.”
- “There is no chance that I’m pregnant, I’m a virgin.”

Questions to ask:

What vaccines might I need for this trip?
Will I need to take malaria tablets?

Mark Scheme

Introduction

0 / 2

Introduces self as the pharmacist with an appropriate greeting

+1

Confirms patient details: Name, age

+1

Answer Q2: Will I need to take malaria tablets?

0 / 4

Establishes the patient’s malaria exposure risk (destination, rural stay, accommodation, duration, outdoor activities) and advises that prophylaxis is required .

+1

The student encourages additional protective measures: Maximum 3 marks awarded

Using insect repellent

Wearing clothes that cover the skin

Sleeping under treated mosquito nets

Avoiding outdoor exposure at peak mosquito hours

Management

0 / 8

Advises on preparation and self-care:

Encourages travel insurance to cover medical emergencies.

+1

Suggests carrying a travel kit with medications, first-aid items, plasters, and emergency contacts.

+1

Ensuring adequate supply of regular medication (salbutamol) prior to travel.

+1

Explains that animal bites or scratches can carry risks of rabies, tetanus, or other bacterial infections.

+1

Advises not to approach stray or wild animals, avoid attracting them with food or litter, and be cautious during activities like running or cycling outdoors.

+1

Advises that there is a risk of parasitic infections and some infections may present months after return.

+1

Encourages seeking medical attention if symptoms develop, such as unexplained fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, rash, or fatigue.

+1

Advises the patient to seek urgent same-day medical assessment (A&E / urgent care / GP same-day) if symptoms develop during travel or after returning to the UK.

+1

Communication

0 / 6

Use appropriate language for the person and situation.

+1

Demonstrates empathy

+1

Ensure the patient understanding

+1

Signposts and refers patients to relevant resources 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.

Time Management

0 / 1

Completed the scenario in time and achieved 70% of marks

+1