Are you struggling to pass the SCA exam?
Meet Dr Gordon, a GP trainee, who faced a major hurdle on his path to attaining MRCGP.
I struggled with the exam format itself. Going into it, I wasn’t sure what would be coming up or how to prepare for it.
Gordon’s journey to becoming a fully qualified GP was hard. He failed the RCA twice and the SCA once, each time missing the pass mark by a few points. In his third attempt, he missed a pass by half a mark.
I was short by half a mark, which was devastating. So close, yet so far away!
His close calls were frustrating and demoralising. These repeated failures left Gordon questioning his preparation methods and his ability to succeed.
A New Approach
After his third attempt, Gordon realised he needed a new approach. He sought the guidance of Dr Erwin Kwun, an experienced medical educator who had helped many trainees pass their exams. With a new perspective, Dr Gordon gained the clarity and direction he desperately needed.
One of the first changes Dr Gordon made was to structure his consultations more effectively. He learned to use the three minutes of the reading time to prime the case, gathering crucial information and setting the stage for a more focused and effective interaction. This initial step was crucial in helping him manage his time and ensure that all necessary aspects of the consultation were covered.
Addressing Weaknesses
Breaking bad news was another area where Dr Gordon struggled. He found it challenging to navigate emotionally charged situations and deliver negative news sensitively and effectively. Through the 1:1 coaching, he learned to give patients space to process the news and to tailor his approach based on their reactions. Instead of rushing, he gave the patient time and space to absorb the bad news. This subtle yet powerful shift in approach made a significant difference in Dr Gordon’s performance.
Implementing Proven Strategies
Dr Gordon also refined his strategy for shared management plans. Initially, he felt that he knew what was best for the patient, but he learned the importance of involving the patient in the decision-making process. This approach not only improved his scores in the “relating to others” domain but also led to more effective and personalised patient care.
In his day-to-day practice, Dr Gordon began to allocate specific times for data gathering, addressing patients’ ideas, concerns, and expectations, and developing shared management plans. This structured approach mirrored the exam conditions and helped him become more efficient and effective in real-life consultations.
SCA Exam Day
When it came time for his fourth attempt, Dr Gordon was ready. He went into the exam with a clear structure in mind. He spent the first six minutes on data gathering, ensuring he covered all necessary aspects, including medical, psychosocial, and patient-specific concerns.
Gordon then used the remaining six minutes to develop and discuss a shared management plan, incorporating the patient’s input and addressing their concerns.
Writing key reminders on his whiteboard also helped: “Do not miss red flags, shared management, and follow-up.” This allowed him to stay focused and ensured that he didn’t overlook any critical components of the consultation.
SCA Exam Result
After missing SCA exam by half a mark, Dr Gordon gave everything he could on his fourth attempt. His hard work and strategic plan paid off. He passed the exam with a score of 87, over 10 points above the pass mark. His success marked the culmination of a challenging journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.
5 Tips from Dr Gordon
Are you preparing for MRCGP SCA? Here’s five lessons from Dr Gordon’s case-study:
- Seek Guidance: Don’t hesitate to seek help from experienced coaches or mentors who can provide new perspectives and strategies.
- Structure Your Consultations: Use a clear and consistent structure to ensure you cover all necessary aspects within the time limit.
- Practice Breaking Bad News: Learn to tailor your approach based on the patient’s reactions and give them space to process the news.
- Develop Shared Management Plans: Involve patients in decision-making to create personalized and effective care plans.
- Stay Focused: Use reminders and a clear structure to keep on track during the exam.
