Specialist Language Examination procedure
The
specialist language examination should be as practically relevant as possible.
All elements are already known from the daily work in the hospital. The
examination relates only to the specialist language and not to the basic
medical knowledge.
For
the specialist language examination, it is not relevant whether a wrong
diagnosis is made or an incorrect treatment option is given. Only the language
used when dealing with the respective situation is included in the evaluation.
The
60-minute examination is divided into 3 sections of 20 minutes each.
Doctor
- patient discussion
Documentation
Doctor
- doctor discussion
1. Doctor - patient discussion
The
examinee holds an anamnesis interview with a patient. The role of the patient
is played by an actor. However, the examinee is to treat him like a normal
patient. In this way, the doctor - patient interview can be simulated as it is
known from everyday treatment.
This
method ensures that each examinee receives an equally difficult case.
The
anamnesis interview is carried out exactly as learnt during the degree. After
the examinee has formed a picture of the patient, he
explains his suspected diagnosis and gives the patient suggestions for further
diagnosis and treatment. He should explain to the patient what he considers to
be useful measures and respond to questions.
It
should be observed that patients are unfamiliar with medical terminology. It is
important that the patient can understand the doctor to be tested properly and
well.
2. Documentation
In the
second section, the examinee is to transfer the anamnesis to an anamnesis
sheet. For this, the candidate receives a ready-made form
from the Medical Association, as is used, in principal, in every hospital in
the area of the chamber.
3. Doctor-doctor discussion
The
third section of the examination simulates the situation of a ward round. Here
the examinee meets two doctors (for example, a chief physician and a senior
physician). The examinee gives the doctors a structured description of the
patient seen in section 1.
The
discussion partners are doctors, so no layman’s language is to be used, but
rather, medical terminology for communication. It is important to clarify the
information about the patient in a carefully structured approach. In so doing,
the examinee should also explain his own assessment of the situation and his
ideas for further treatment.
After
the patient presentation, the two doctors will ask some questions on this. The
medical colleagues can also submit further documentation on the patient to the
examinee for him to evaluate.
Assessment of the examination
Each
examinee is assessed by three examiners. The examiners work with structured
assessment sheets. After completing the examination, the assessment sheets of
the individual examiners are collected and analysed centrally. Each sheet
contains a maximum of 20 points. This means that each examinee can attain a
maximum of 60 points. To pass the specialist language examination, 60 percent
of the maximum number of points, or at least 36 points have to be achieved.
Aids during the examination
At the
start of the examination, each examinee is provided with an empty notepad and a
pen. The notes are not included in the assessment of the examination. Other
aids are not permitted. Also, no luggage, handbags, jackets, coats or the like
may be taken into the examination rooms.
During the examination, telephone calls and any
contact with uninvolved persons is considered cheating and will lead to failure
of the examination.
Pass / fail
The
result of the examination is given to the examinee on the day of the
examination and the competent district government notified. Further processing
takes place there.
The
examination is considered passed if the examinee attains at least 60 percent
(at least 36 points) of the maximum number of points possible.
The
examination is considered failed if the examinee attains less than 60 percent
(less than 36 points) of the maximum number of points possible.
In
case of failure, the specialist language examination can be repeated several
times. The examinee is sent information on re-examination by
the Medical Association straightaway.
