We’re always looking for ways to be better GPs, and to improve our success in fellowship exams. We’ve previously discussed some tools… and here are 2 more: Random Case Analysis and Role Play.

Role play and random case analysis can be used in training and as part of supervisor discussions, and can actually be quite fun, while mastering important skills. Choosing a random case and discussing it, considering the various competencies that were required in the consultation, and role playing to practice incorporating some suggestions can be a very beneficial exercise.

Do you want to know more?

Review the discussion with one of the RVTS Medical Educators, Dr Taras Mikulin here (12min 56 sec):

For Random Case Analysis, start by choosing a random case from the recent past. Review your records with your supervisor for accuracy and completeness.

Discuss the case in detail, looking at the:

  • History details noted in the record
  • Examination findings
  • Differentials that have been documented
  • Management and follow-up plan

To hone your skills, consider going on to discuss the following:

  • Describe the patient examination
  • Rational prescribing of medications and the use of non-pharmacological therapies
  • How you consider Screening and prevention in your consultations
  • Health promotion in your practice
  • Professionalism and ethical practice as applied to the case
  • Consider Critical Incident Management
  • Describe a procedural skill
  • Discuss the “what if this patient was much sicker” – Recognise and manage the seriously ill patient

During role play, skills like verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills, creative thinking, rapid response and coping with stressful situations can be further developed and refined.

Practicing these skills in the safe learning environment will improve your strategies in the consultations, and in exam situations.

All the strategies mentioned are valuable tools in exam preparation, for ACRRM’s CBD and StAMPS Assessments, and RACGP’s KFP and RCE Exams, and these can actually be done via video link.

We hope that you’ll be able to use some of these strategies discussed to improve your clinical practice, improve patient outcomes, and improve your exam success.

Good luck and let us know how you go!

Thank-you to Dr Taras Mikulin for developing the content for this post.

Reference articles: 

  1. Random Case Analysis: A new framework for Australian General Practice training Morgan & Ingham AFP 2013
  2. GPSA Supervisor Guides: Random Case Analysis in General Practice 
  3. ARCADO – Random Case Analysis BMC Ingham et al 2015
  4. Serious Play: Teaching Medical Skills with Improvisational Theatre Techniques Med Educ 2001 Prof Katie Watson