GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Simulation Exercises

Essential Information, Key Tips & Trusted Techniques

First Impressions

Most of you have already decided how useful or not useful this article is as a GP Stage 3 resource. That's because, first impressions are everything. Applying this to the GP Stage 3 Simulation exercises, make sure that you have a confident, well-structured introduction and avoid the temptation of not practicing the introduction each time you practice simulation exercises. A confident, assured introduction puts you half way towards a GP training post. If you are attending a Blackstone Tutors GP Stage 3 course, we'll discuss the 6 key components of any consultation introduction. 
 
Confident, Well-Rehearsed Introduction
Always  Practice The Introduction During GP Stage 3 Preparation
6 Key Components Of A Consultation Introduction

Consultation Focus

The next thing to consider is the GP Stage 3 Consultation focus and style. These consultations do not require any patient examinations and are not a test of clinical knowledge. As such, try to avoid the temptation of asking medical questions and instead focus on social history including challenges at work, home and family circumstances. 

Social History
Work Challenges/Concerns
Home Circumstances
Family Support Structure

De-ICE The Consultation

We all know the importance of ICE in any consultation. In GP Stage 3 consultations, ICE is all the more important. However whilst mentioning ICE will score you some marks, in order to score the very highest marks, you need to integrate ICE. For example, in response to a patient mentioning a concern about losing their job....a stock question to the effect of 'Do you have any concerns?' will not score well especially given that a key concern has already been mentioned. Compare this to a doctor who states the following.

'I appreciate that you're concerned about losing your job Mr Jones...was there anything else in particular concerning you?'

The latter approach demonstrates both active listening and integrates ICE and is essential to score highly. Similarly, ensure that you don't merely mention ideas and expectations; instead consider ways to integrate these important questions in to each of your consultations.

Mark Scheme Domains

Finally, always keep in mind the four domains that you are being assessed on and consider how these can be applied in each of the simulation exercises.

Empathy & Sensitivity
Communication Skills,
Conceptual Thinking & Problem Solving
Professional Integrity

GP Stage 3 Further Reading

GP Stage 3 Selection Centre Preparation Course
GP Stage 3 Online Question Bank
GP Stage 3 - What to Expect
GP Stage 3 Written Prioritisation Tips
​GP Stage 3 Written & Simulation Exercises
​GP Selection Centre: The Complete Guide
How To Score 100% In The GP Selection Centre