Certifying Exam Cases

This Observed Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is intended to cover the topic of Difficult Conversations. The overarching educational goal of this case is to assess learners’ communication skills, emotional responsiveness, and ability to facilitate a death notification conversation. Participants will be evaluated on their ability to communicate in an empathic, patient-centered manner while leading a difficult discussion. Successful participants will establish rapport, actively listen, disclose sensitive information clearly and compassionately, and respond appropriately to emotional reactions. By the end of the session, learners should be able to: (1) establish rapport with the patient’s family by initiating introductions and creating a supportive environment, (2) assess the family’s baseline understanding of the patient’s condition by using open-ended questions and active listening to elicit their perspective, (3) communicate the patient’s death clearly and compassionately, using concise, non-technical language, (4) demonstrate empathy by responding appropriately to emotional reactions, validating concerns, and addressing questions thoughtfully, and (5) provide closure to the conversation by summarizing key points, offering emotional support, and clarifying the next steps in the patient’s care.

The following objectives, which align with ABEM’s recommended objectives, address the nuances of managing conflict. By the end of the session, learners should be able to: 1) demonstrate familiarity with the ABEM Managing Conflict case format and structure, 2) establish rapport by developing connection and trust with the admitting physicians, 3) demonstrate understanding of the other party’s position by verbalizing thoughtful and specific questions about his/her concerns, 4) explain his/her own position clearly and insightfully, 5) acknowledge divergent positions with thoughtfulness and insight, 6) identify interests shared by both the psychiatrist and hospitalist as well as what is in the best interest of the patient, and 7) propose a path forward which accounts for the interests of all parties involved.

By the end of the session, the learner should be able to: 1) review format and have become familiar with an ABEM Certifying Exam conflict management communication case, 2) demonstrate the ability to initiate the consultation call, establish rapport, and present a concise, evidence-based summary of the patient’s STEMI findings, 3) recognize concerns raised by the cardiologist and respond with an empathetic acknowledgment (eg, validating workload, uncertainty, or resource constraints) to support a collaborative tone, 4) articulate differing viewpoint by referencing objective clinical data (eg, ST-segment elevations, ongoing chest pain, risk from delays) when conflict is encountered and justify why urgent catheterization lab activation is indicated, and 5) identify shared goals in optimizing patient care (reducing myocardial damage and preventing deterioration) and use these to negotiate a mutually acceptable plan.

By the end of this certifying exam practice case, learners will be able to:  1) establish a supportive and compassionate environment through verbal and non-verbal communication when engaging with a patient experiencing distress, anxiety, or grief related to potential pregnancy loss, 2) actively explore the patient’s understanding, concerns, values, and goals related to their pregnancy and presenting symptoms, 3) recognize and normalize a range of emotional reactions, offering validation and support regardless of the patient’s obstetric history or desired pregnancy outcomes, 4) clearly explain the diagnosis of a “threatened miscarriage,” outlining its clinical implications, inherent uncertainty, and potential outcomes, 5) review the results of any imaging or lab studies succinctly and empathetically, while verifying the patient’s understanding, 6) collaborate with the patient to develop a mutually agreeable care plan, including medical recommendations, appropriate follow-up, monitoring, and return precautions.