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- February 11, 2025
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MRCP PACES is an examination, designed to assess the candidate’s clinical skill and also the ability to perform the clinical task. For effective preparation, the aspirant must focus on both clinical skills and communication aspects of the exam.
Understand the PACES Exam Format
The PACES examination tests the candidate’s skills in physical examination, communication, diagnosis, and management of patients. The exam has a carousel format with 5 stations each lasting for 20 minutes.
MRCP Paces Exam Format
- Full-Day Examination
- Takes place in clinical scenarios. (hospital or clinical skills center)
- Assesses seven core skills
- Five Stations
- Eight Patient encounters.
The following skills will be assessed during the 5-station carousel:-
- Physical Examination
- Identifying the physical signs
- Clinical communication
- Differential Diagnosis
- Clinical judgment
- Managing Patient’s Concerns
- Maintaining Patient Welfare
Key Focus on Areas For MRCP Paces Exam
Communication & Consultation Station
Ethics and communication skills stations are the most important areas of the Paces examination.
The candidate must review the delivering skills for Breaking Bad news, Medical Errors, and organ Transplantation.
Here, the candidate should keep certain points in mind;-
- The examiner evaluates the candidate based on empathy shown towards the patient.
- Not only the ability to speak is being judged but also the ability to listen to the patient’s concerns and empathize with them.
- You must start with the open question. Give the patient as much time as they need to talk and allow them to finish.
- Make a list of issues that need to be addressed.
Hints of Brief Clinical Encounters:
- Carefully read the instructions provided. Note down the questions that need to be asked from the patient.
- Look closely for any clues for diagnosis.
- Begin with open questions, and look for the specific complications.
- Addressing patient welfare is vital in these stations.
- Review the Clinical topic
The candidate must have a keen knowledge of the clinical topic and review the clinical scenarios.
Focusing on common conditions like chest pain, dyspnea, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
In Station Respiratory, the candidate should focus on topics such as cystic fibrosis, pleural effusion, and bronchiectasis.
In the station Neurology, focus on topics like Cerebellar Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, and Spastic Paraparesis.
Cardiology station key focus on Mitral Regurgitation, Prosthetic Heart Valves, and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
- Practice
Spend time with mentors to practice clinical examination. Focusing on the key signs and relevant examinations for common symptoms.
Do consider taking up the PACES COURSES or Mock Exams.
- Time Management
Each Station has a limited time. Hence, the aspirant has to allocate time wisely.
Station 1 (communication 10 minutes): In this, the candidate must gather all the valuable information from the patient within 7-8 minutes. But obviously, you do not have to rush.
Physical Examination: be systematic and focus on the detail provided and do not have to perform unnecessary steps.
Communication: communication is key; be concise and utilize active listening keeping in mind the patient’s concerns are addressed.
- Communicating Skills:
Communication plays a vital role in PACES.
The candidate must work on maintaining professionalism, empathy, and clear communication, as these are the key components that are assessed by the examiner.
- Review and mock exam
Enroll yourself in PACES mock exam courses.
- Stay Calm and Be Confident
On the day of the exam, remain calm and confident. Remember, you are assessed on your clinical approach, not just your knowledge.
- Plan a Study Schedule
Create a realistic schedule to practice and review the symptoms theoretically. You will need to balance your preparation time with clinical practice, so ensure you allow enough time for hands-on practice.
Aim to gradually increase the difficulty of the stations as you approach the exam date.
Combining targeted clinical practice, mock exams, effective time management, and communication practice, increases the candidate’s chances of passing PACES with confidence. Keep your preparations steady, practice regularly, and don’t forget to maintain a healthy balance during your studies.
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