This one-day viva course will provide the delegates with an opportunity to undertake vivas with experienced examiners and clinical examinations with simulated patients in order to prepare them for the FRCS (ORL-HNS) exit examination. The delegates can practice and refine their viva technique utilising video playback that will help toevaluate their performance, enhance their presentation style, and demonstrate improvement throughout the day. The recorded viva will be used by the examiners to provide feedback and suggestions will be provided to augment the performance. The delegates will also be provided with a copy of the viva recording to take home for further viewing. This course is very appropriate and suitable for delegates who have done prior adequate revision but wish to practice and refine their viva and presentation technique.

Process

Vivas: Viva will be structured as follows: 15 mins, plus 5 mins changeover - Feedback (20 mins) - Rest (20 mins): 160mins (or 2hrs40mins) for 6x2x15 minute vivas per session (staggered).

There are two examiners for each viva. One examiner asks the questions and marks while the other examiner marks and listens. The examiner who didn't ask the questions follows the delegate out and gives them feedback while the other examiner stays on for the next viva with the new delegate. A third examiner tags in to the place of the one who is giving feedback and asks the questions while the examiner who stayed on makes notes and listens; the examiner who originally stayed on is the next to give feedback. This means the examiner giving feedback alternates, therefore each examiner marks two exams for each set of feedback they give.During the viva, a coloured card system will act as an indicator for playback to identify the question number (e.g. green for first question, blue for second and purple for third).During feedback the delegate is asked what they felt their weakest question was and are asked to focus on that for their session. If time allows a second question may be chosen.

Clinicals: Clinical scenario be structured as follows: 10 mins, plus 5 mins changeover - Feedback (15 mins) - Rest (15 mins): 120mins (2hrs) for 6x2x10 minute clinical scenarios (staggered)

There are two video patient consultations/communication skills stations. Each station has two components (again denoted by the card system). The first component of the patient consultation involves history and/or examination followed by either explanation or further examination. Communication skills can involve a difficult history and with a challenging consultation with explanation element in the second half.The faculty take it in turn to step out and give feedback. The examiner who took the lead stays for the next delegate. The examiner who does not take the lead is responsible for the card system and leaves to give feedback to the candidate. The third member of faculty then joins and takes the lead.

Eligibility Criteria

ST5 or above/equivalent Registrar grade in ENT Surgery. The course is strongly advised for trainees who have completed the Section 1 (SBA and EMI component) of the exam or contemplating to do it soon. It will be ideal for those appearing for the examination in 4 to 6 weeks’ time although some may benefit from doing the course a few months before the intended examination date.

Learning Outcomes

• In their preparation for the oral and clinical parts of Section 2 of the FRCS (ORL-HNS) examination.
• In discussing clinical cases and communicate effectively with the examiners.
• In providing information to the simulated patients and examiners in a succinct yet salient manner.