Welcome back to MRCPI Bedside, hosted by Dr. Christine Condon and Dr. Harry Economos. Get in touch at mrcpibedside@gmail.com or on Twitter @MRCPIBedside

In our third episode we do our best to explain the confusing marking scheme. We highlight how a bit of an understanding of what is necessary to achieve a 'satisfactory' score can assist your preparation and maximise the points you earn yourself on the day. 
The 7 different examinable skills and what indicates a 'satisfactory' (full points) and 'unsatisfactory' (fail/zero points) are:
1. Clinical communication skills
Satisfactory = History is relevant/ Fluent/ Focused
Unsatisfactory = Omits crucial areas/ Unpractised/ Unprofessional
2. Managing relationships with patients
Satisfactory = Listens to patient's concerns/ Empathetic
Unsatisfactory = Dismisses patient's concern's/ Not empathetic
3. Physical examination
Satisfactory = Accurate/ appropriate/ practised/ professional
Unsatisfactory = Poor technique/ Omits important tests/ Hesitant / Lacks Confidence
4. Identifying physical signs
Satisfactory = Identifies correct physical signs
Unsatisfactory= Misses important clinical signs / Reports signs that are not present
5. Differential diagnosis
Satisfactory = Presents a sensible and comprehensive differential diagnosis
Unsatisfactory = Inappropriate, incomplete differential diagnosis
6. Clinical judgement
Satisfactory = Evidence of reflective problem solving / Suggests appropriate investigations and management
Unsatisfactory = Poor evidence of problem solving / Selects unsuitable investigations and treatments
7. Maintaining patient safety and quality of care
Satisfactory = Treats patient respectfully and sensitively, and ensures comfort, safety, and dignity
Unsatisfactory = Jeopardises patient safety / Causes physical or emotional pain to the patient
We feel this episode is best accompanied by reading through the points allocation table and have having a look at the examiners' marking card. Available in the link below (direct from RCPI website) - scroll to pages 5-9. 
https://rcpi-live-cdn.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MRCPI-Part-II-GM-Clinical-Examination-Candidate-Information-COVID-Updated-June-2021.pdf

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