How to explain a diagnosis or treatment to a patient (OSCE)
To explain a diagnosis or treatment in an OSCE, first find out what the patient already knows, then explain in plain language using small chunks and checking understanding after each, address their concerns, and reach a shared decision. Avoid jargon and monologues — examiners reward chunking, checking, and responding to the patient's agenda.
Start from their understanding
Ask what they already know and what they'd like to get out of the conversation. Tailor your explanation to that.
Chunk and check
Give one idea at a time in plain English, then check understanding before moving on. Avoid abbreviations and medical jargon.
Address ICE
Draw out and respond to their ideas, concerns and expectations — especially any specific worry driving the visit.
Shared decision
Lay out the options with pros and cons, support the patient to decide, and check they're comfortable with the plan.
Safety-net & summarise
Offer written information, explain what to do if things change, summarise, and invite questions.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'chunk and check' mean?
Give information in small pieces and check the patient has understood each piece before continuing, rather than delivering a long monologue. It keeps the explanation patient-centred and is a core OSCE marking point.
How do you avoid jargon under pressure?
Practise translating common terms into lay language ahead of time (e.g. 'high blood pressure' not 'hypertension') and rehearse explanations out loud so plain wording becomes automatic.
Practise this in a real station
Rehearse these skills out loud with MedMock's AI patient and examiner in the exams this matters for: