OSPHE exam - the candidate’s perspective

Sarah Bowman11 December 2009

The exam Comprehensive Reasonable A good test of knowledge and skills Pressurised Tiring!

8 minutes…

x 68 mins prep

1 min break

8 mins scenario

1 min break

Exam: just under 2 hrs

Total: half day

Move rooms

Types of question

Data

Media / comms

Exceptional case

Patient / public

Health protectio

n

Policy / strategy /

action plan

??

Or a combination…

8 minutes prep What is the question? What outcome do you want? Structure your thoughts Pre-empt questions / concerns /

approach Pick out key facts / points ? Use flipchart

Structures Communications (3 key messages) Data (bias, confounding, chance,

reliability, truth) ‘Generic’ structure

But also be flexible

‘Generic’ structureIntroduction & role

Confirm purpose / what you’re going to say

Say it

Next steps / action plan

Check for understanding / questions

Public health context

Key messages

Facts / data / examples

Answer questions & concerns

Opportunity for public health messages / promotion?

Pitfalls (1) Diverting from the point Over-running Not clarifying key messages / next

steps Succumbing to pressure to change

message Being put off by the response of

the role player

Pitfalls (2) Not acknowledging emotion /

agenda of role-player (doesn’t mean you need to agree!)

Preparing the wrong scenario

Tips Moving rooms is well-organised You may not reach a satisfactory

conclusion If you don’t finish, move on Don’t panic Forget the past…