OSCE Toolbox

By Nabeel Syed • March 15, 2026 • Last reviewed: 2026-03-15 •

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Summary Beginner

In this scenario, the student is expected to counsel a parent whose 4-year-old child has been diagnosed with acute otitis media under the Pharmacy First service and has been prescribed amoxicillin oral suspension. Their role is to answer the parent’s questions appropriately and provide them with any valuable information.

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

This may reveal scenario objectives!

Mark Scheme

Introduction

0 / 2

Introduce yourself as the pharmacist with an appropriate greeting

+1

Confirms patient details - Name and age

+1

Medical History

0 / 4

Confirms the patient’s past medical history

+1

No other medical conditions

Confirms medication history including dose, frequency, indication, including any over-the-counter products and herbal remedies

+1

Paracetamol only

Confirms allergies and nature of reaction

+1

No allergies

Asks about immunisation status

+1

Up to date

Questions

0 / 4

“What does it taste like? I’m worried my child will spit it out, he’s very fussy!”

According to the patient information leaflet, the medicine contains orange and raspberry flavours

+1

When giving a dose, try to aim for the inside of their cheek as this will avoid the tongue. Also push the plunger in slowly, giving your child time to swallow the medicine as it squirts out.

+1

“Can I mix it with juice to hide the taste?”

You can give a small amount of food/drink after giving the antibiotic. Alternatively, you can also mix the medicine with a small amount of water or squash, provided your child takes it all straight away.

+1

“What if my child vomits after I’ve given a dose?”

If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of amoxicillin, give them the same dose again. If you child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose, do not give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

+1

Communication and knowledge

0 / 6

Uses appropriate language for the person and situation

+1

Uses volume, tone, pace, and emphasis appropriately, and gives time to ask questions

+1

Knowledge and understanding of the topic are apparent

+1

The conversation is structured and flows well

+1

Concludes well, by asking 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