FAQs

Will these assessments include questions from modules that we will study in Year 4, such as Special Senses, Neurology, Geriatrics, Reproductive Medicine, Emergency Medicine and Paediatrics, as we previously covered aspects of these subjects in Year 2? 
Alternatively, will the assessments focus exclusively on the Year 3 modules, including Mental Health, Gastroenterology, Cardiology and Respiratory Medicine, General Practice, Musculoskeletal Medicine and Peri-operative Care? 
The content of the IPE exam is based on our assessment blueprint, it is also synoptic, meaning that any part of the course taught so far may be examined.  It is possible that we can test some presentations and learning outcomes by assessing material that was taught in Phase 1 units.  These would ask questions based on Phase 1 knowledge or a combination of Phase 1 knowledge and an application of clinical practice covered within the junior rotation. We try not to include specifically Senior Rotation (SR) material in IPE but there are overlaps e.g. Cancer Care is in SR, but there are the cancers you encounter in CR and GI. The elderly tend to fall over and fracture bones so a geriatric (or child) might feature in a MSK question. Headaches are covered in SS but patients also present with them in primary care and there are conditions where headaches are included in the symptoms. Someone with a cardio condition might end up being treated in ED so an overlap with AC. 
At validation, a panel made up of a Junior Rotation (JR) Block Leads for each of the 6 blocks and the Phase 2 Lead look at every single question and confirm that the content is taught up to and including JR and a student at the end of the JR should know it. 
This is repeated after the exam at standard setting (setting the pass mark) by a different panel of Block Leads. A question where the students performed poorly is reviewed and if they do not think a question is fair it can be removed from the exam or the pass mark set at zero so no one is penalised for getting it wrong, but anyone who got it right keeps the mark. 
Can you confirm the details of this year’s OSCEs. Will the OSCE stations follow the same format as last year, and are there are any changes to the content or structure. Can you clarify the length of each station, as I have heard that the Phase 2 OSCE stations may be longer. 
If possible, could you please provide any available information about this year’s OSCEs, including the station format, types of stations that could come up, timings, and any other relevant details? Having this information in advance would really help me plan my revision and prepare effectively. 
The IPE OSCEs (now being called CPSA) will be over 2 days, 6 on each day. They last 10 minutes, 2 minutes longer than Phase 1. The format is exactly the same as you are used to. The content is from the course up to and including the JR and they should build in complexity from Phase 1 to acknowledge the clinical experience you have had. As I have said previously, the practical procedures, if tested, will be limited to the list of eight and be more likely to feature the JR related ones rather than SR. 
The process, domain indicators and mark scheme will be the same as you are used to. Examples of station types are history, physical examination, interpreting investigation results, procedures, explanations, referrals. All things you should be familiar with. Each station has individual timings and these are indicated on the instructions outside.