MRCP PACES (Practical Assessment of Clinical Examination Skills) is the final stage of the MRCP examination, designed to assess clinical competency through real-world patient interactions.
Exam Format
The PACES exam consists of five stations, each assessing different clinical skills:
Station 1: Respiratory & Abdominal Examination
Station 2: History Taking
Station 3: Cardiovascular & Neurological Examination
Station 4: Communication Skills and Ethics
Station 5: Integrated Clinical Assessment
Key Skills Assessed
Clinical Examination Techniques: Ability to perform thorough and structured examinations.
History-Taking and Patient Interaction: Gathering relevant patient history in a time-efficient manner.
Communication and Counseling: Delivering complex medical information effectively to patients and colleagues.
Medical Ethics and Professionalism: Understanding ethical principles, informed consent, and patient confidentiality.
Clinical Decision-Making: Evaluating clinical scenarios and formulating appropriate management plans.
Preparation Tips
Practice Physical Examinations with Real Patients: Improve examination techniques through hands-on practice.
Enhance Communication Skills through Role-Playing Scenarios: Engage in mock patient interviews to refine communication skills.
Join PACES Training Courses and Mock Exams: Participate in structured training programs to simulate exam conditions.
Review Ethical Guidelines and Medical Communication Strategies: Stay updated on best practices in ethical decision-making.
Work on Time Management during Patient Interactions: Develop strategies to efficiently complete each station within the allocated time.