GPST Stage 3 or Selection Assessment Center is the third and final step for entering GP training. This article covers the pattern of the exam. You can read more about the overview of the application process here.
Stage 3 Pattern
The exam has two sections:
1. Consultation Skills. This exercise has three parts. 2. Written Prioritisation. As the name suggests, this is a written prioritisation exercise. You will be expected to prioritize five tasks. You will need to justify your choices and describe what action you would take in those scenarios. You will also need to reflect on these actions at the end. These consultations and written exercises will not test clinical skills. They will test the following four skills: A. Empathy and sensitivity. The consultation exercises assess your ability to consider the patient/relative/colleague’s perspective and feelings, and to generate a safe, reassuring atmosphere within the consultation/meeting. The written exercises assess your ability to consider others’ perspectives and feelings, and to generate a safe, reassuring atmosphere through your actions. B. Communication skills. Two Simulation Exercises assessed your ability to engage the patient/colleague, clearly and actively, in constructive dialogue, and to adjust your behaviour and language according to the needs of the consultation. The Written Exercise assessed your ability to write persuasively, through clear and articulate use of language, and to adjust your written expression according to the needs of the situation. C. Conceptual thinking and problem-solving. Two Simulation Exercises assessed your ability to think around issues and use strategic and flexible thinking in the search for optimal solutions to patient/relative problems. The Written Exercise assessed your ability to think beyond the obvious, maximise information and time efficiently and creatively, and take a structured, systematic approach to resolving issues. D. Professional integrity. Two Simulation Exercises assessed your professional commitment to provide equality of care for all, take responsibility for your own actions and act confidently but safely within the context of the consultation/meeting. The Written Exercise assessed your professional commitment to provide equality of care for all, take responsibility for your own actions and act confidently but safely within the context of the issues presented.
Time: 10 minutes for each consultation.
Time: 30 minutes.Skills Tested
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