This book is the winner of the BMA student textbook award in the BMA 2006 Book competition! It is highly commended in the basis of medicine category in the BMA 2006 Book competition! This new book, by the authors of the student examination book Final MB, is designed to give a light and user-friendly approach to the difficult subject of passing tests of communication skills in final examinations. The increasing recognition of the importance of this topic has led to a greater awareness of the intricacies of communicating successfully and effectively with both patients and colleagues. This book will help all students prepare adequately for success in this crucial test of their clinical skills.

Table of Contents

Part 1 INTRODUCTION The most important chapter in the book! Different types of scenario Different types of patient The Actor-patient's perspective Marking schedules Part 2 DISCUSSING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS Breaking bad news - the basics Discussing resuscitation status Part 3 INFORMATION GIVING Explaining a procedure/informed consent Discussing a new medicine with a patient Part 4 DISCUSSING TREATMENT ISSUES Sexual issues Epilepsy and driving Discussing dialysis with a patient Part 5 TAKING A FOCUSSED HISTORY Anaemia Jaundice Chest pain Headache Pruritus Syncope Pyrexia of unknown origin Fever on return from abroad Shortness of breath Suicide risk Alcohol history Weight loss Tired all the time Haematuria Occupational illness Nocturnal cough Acromegaly Haematemesis Haemoptysis Abdominal pain Rectal bleeding The nightmare scenario Index