Conducting a History and Physical – Influencing Skills & OSCE Success

These Question-and-Answer flashcards review organization, influencing skills, Dale Carnegie principles, OSCE grading criteria, and practical Do’s & Don’ts from Dr. Crosbie’s lecture on conducting an effective History and Physical.

Which script/acronym keeps you organized during an H&P?

SOAP – Subjective, Objective, Assessment, Plan.

List the major components of the Subjective section.

CC, HPI, ROS, PMH, PSH, Medications, Allergies, Social History, Family History.

Why must physicians be influencers, according to Dr. Crosbie?

Because affecting healthy behavior change requires motivating and persuading patients.

Why should you give patients a "roadmap" of the visit?

To clarify how the encounter will proceed and increase patient comfort.

What are Dale Carnegie’s 3 fundamental techniques in handling people?

1. Don’t criticize, condemn, or complain.

2. Give honest and sincere appreciation.

3. Arouse in the other person an eager want.

Three non-verbal tips to avoid appearing judgmental?

Stick to the script, maintain eye contact, and use head nods (no head shaking).

Name Dale Carnegie’s six ways to make people like you.

1) Become genuinely interested in other people,

2) Smile,

3) Remember and use their name,

4) Be a good listener,

5) Talk in terms of their interests,

6) Make them feel important—and do it sincerely.

List three reasons to stick to the script during an encounter.

1) Build rapport, 2) Maintain timing and avoid forgetting items, 3) Leverage primacy/recency so information sticks.

Name two behaviors that earn high empathy marks.

Using supportive gestures (smile, nod, eye contact) and validating the patient’s feelings/chief complaint.

Give two cues graders watch for under Non-Verbal Communication.

Smiling and making eye contact, plus absence of distracting habits.

Before beginning the physical exam, what two respectful steps must you take?

Wash your hands and ask the patient’s permission to begin.

According to the Do’s list, how much time should remain after finishing the physical?

At least two minutes to discuss assessment and plan.

State three key "Do’s" for SPAL/OSCE encounters.

Knock before entering, introduce yourself as a first-year medical student, and practice consistently.

State three "Don’ts" highlighted by Dr. Crosbie.

Don’t interrupt, don’t go off script, don’t forget to smile when appropriate.

What simple rule about note-taking improves listening?

When talking to someone, look at them; don’t write everything down.

How can eye contact help reduce repetitive words or phrases?

It keeps you engaged and mindful of your speech patterns.

Why is practice essential for OSCE success beyond knowing content?

It ingrains organization, reduces anxiety, and refines non-verbal skills.

What reassuring phrase can you use when explaining normal findings to patients?

“And that’s exactly what we want to see!” (or “And that’s completely normal!”)