OSCE Toolbox | Menopause Counselling 2 - Scenario

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Scenarios

By Femi Lana • March 30, 2025 • Last reviewed: 30/03/25 •

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Summary Beginner

In this scenario, the student pharmacist is tasked with counselling a patient who is concerned with IBS-like symptoms. The student must provide guidance on lifestyle and treatment options, answering any questions they have.

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!

Mark Scheme

0 / 3

Introduce yourself as the pharmacist with an appropriate greeting

+1

Confirms patient details: Name and age

+1

Offers to discuss in the private consultation room

+1

Answer Q1: Why can menopause cause tummy problems?

0 / 1

There is a relationship between the changing hormones during menopause and gut health.

+1

There is a theory that oestrogen levels fluctuate during menopause, hence there can be changes to bacteria in the gut, and you can get symptoms.

Answer Q2:Is there anything I could do with my diet to help with these symptoms?

0 / 3

Increasing fibre intake, for example, by increasing fruit and vegetable intake

+1

Avoiding any potential triggers, such as caffeine, spicy foods or high-fat foods

+1

Increase water intake

+1

In DR.VEGAN’s survey of 1,526 women, 82% had made changes to their diet to help with symptoms of menopause, and 66% found these changes effective

Answer Q3: I’ve heard that probiotics can help with gut problems, what are probiotics?

0 / 3

Probiotics are good bacteria that help your digestive system work properly.

+1

Some research shows that probiotics can help with symptoms of IBS, like pain, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.

+1

Advise that if trying a course of probiotics, NICE recommends it should be used for 12 weeks for IBS and if there is no improvement it should be stopped.

+1

An example would be to suggest incorporating DR.VEGAN’s Gut Works® into the diet as it provides daily support for gut health. It combines probiotics and prebiotics to help rebalance the gut microbiome. Gut Works® can be used alongside a balanced diet and prescribed medications, but is not intended to replace them.

Management

0 / 1

Refer the patient to their GP due to bloating and change in bowel habits.

+1

These are non-specific signs of cancer, so the GP may carry out an examination or order a CA-125 blood test

Communication

0 / 5

Use appropriate language for the person and situation.

+1

Ensures the patient understands what has been discussed

+1

Signposts and refers the patient to relevant resources e.g. NHS website, British Menopause Society

+1

Conclude the conversation professionally, reassuring the patient and offering to assist with any further questions or concerns.

+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 bold must be met to pass this station.