Introduction
The Observed Clinical Event (OCE) in the life sciences at first seems quite difficult. It was certainly a style of assessment I had not previously come across before.
Whilst reviewing the expected clinical experiences in the learning guides and discussing this with my haematology medical colleagues at the planning stages, we came up with some experiences that provided worthwhile clinical learning experiences for the trainees.
As well as the OCE assessment itself I have seen some excellent examples of reflective practice in support of the professional practice modules as a result of these experiences.
Examples
Here are a few examples, the list is not exhaustive:
- A visit to a deep vein thrombosis clinic facilitated by the specialist nurse. After a case review with the nurse for the patients on the unit, the nurse assessed an interaction of the trainee with the patient.
- Observation at adult and paediatric haematology, haemostasis and haematology malignancy clinics with a chance to follow up the patients at a subsequent clinic. The medical team would assess with a professional discussion prior to consultation and after.
- A chance to observe and carry out supervised trans-cranial Doppler ultrasound examinations on paediatric sickle cell disorder patients supervised by a vascular scientist. These results, as well as blood results were discussed during clinic review by the medical team with the trainee.
- Following a patient through a blood transfusion process in the haematology day unit. Assessment by day unit clinical team on audit trail and safety checks.
- A simple and effective experience was run by a clinical biochemistry registrar based in the department to run a workshop focussing on taking a family history, clinical observations and professional discussion with a focus on effective communication in consultation. This was scenario based.
The OCE can be viewed as irrelevant to trainees in laboratory settings, but the feedback from trainees has been that these assessments and learning experiences have broadened their breadth of knowledge of the subject and forged professional relationships outside of the lab.