Certification Examination in Family Medicine CCFP Introduction n

Certification Examination in Family Medicine (CCFP)

Introduction n Overview of the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) certification examination in family medicine • Exam composition • Preparation • Tips for written component • Organization of oral component

Certification Examination in Family Medicine n n n n Eligible to sit the exam in the last six months of your residency 2 day examination Written and oral components Many sites across the country Spring & Fall sittings Successful completion of the examination earns a Certification in Family Practice in Canada (CCFP) This is a Family Medicine exam!!!

Written Component (SAMPs) n n n 40 – 45 Short Answer Management Problems (SAMPs) Conducted on the first day Approximately six hours divided between morning and afternoon

SAMPs n “…intended to measure a candidate’s problem solving skills and knowledge in the context of a clinical situation. ” Guide to the Certification Examination in Family Medicine

Preparation Tips! n n Study common family medicine topics Circulating old exam questions are great for topics but don’t rely on these for exact content Don’t focus on any guidelines published after December since exam is prepared before January Review topics in relevant journals from Aug to Aug of the year prior to the one in which you are writing

Tips cont… n n Write legibly!!!! You will be scored only on what can be read. Exams are scored by physicians Answers are pre-defined on an answer key. No opportunities for interpretation

Tips cont… n n For each case, the setting in which you are practicing is described. Base answers on this. Most questions can be answered in 10 words or fewer. You are scored only on the number of answers required. If they ask for three and you put down five, only the first three will be considered.

Tips cont… n One answer per line n Answers must be listed vertically n If put list on one line, only first answer will be considered

Tips cont… n n n Usually the question asks for the best available so don’t answer based on what’s available in your area but on GOLD standards. Watch if the question asks for drug class or name of the drug. Generic names are preferred. Use Trade name CAUTIOUSLY!

Tips cont… n n Be specific on treatment (e. g. give route of administration of medications and fluids) Be specific on investigations (e. g. must specify abdominal ultrasound not just ultrasound)

Tips cont… Read the questions carefully n Be specific on laboratory investigations (e. g. CBC and lytes not acceptable since is a series of tests, must specify the desired parameter such as hemoglobin, white blood cell count, potassium) n

Summary n n n Take your time Read questions carefully Be specific Avoid trade names No abbreviations Relax!! This is material you know

SOOs

The Simulated Office Oral n n Designed to simulate a clinical encounter to test your ability to apply the patient centered clinical method Examiners assume the role of Patient Five SOOs each 15 minutes Each encounter usually deals with two patient issues (Problem A and Problem B) • Consider: n n Medical condition with a psychosocial issue Multiple medical conditions in a cultural/psychosocial context

Time Line n n Problem A is the presenting complaint Problem B is not initially apparent • if problem B not addressed by 5 minutes, then a prompt will be given • if problem B not addressed by 8 mins patient will blurt it out n At 12 minutes you will be told to provide your action plan

Approach to problems n Consider each problem by taking an appropriate Hx to include: • • n an assessment of current status past treatments past investigations risk factor analysis Then assess how this illness has affected the patient’s life by asking about Feelings, Ideas, Functions and Expectations (FIFE)

Integration of the Problems n Demonstrate insight into the patient’s condition by putting both conditions into context • restate what the patient has told you • discuss it with regard to the individual’s family and community supports

Management of the Problems n Involve your patient!! • Find common ground • Develop a shared action plan Provide assurance n Make arrangements for a physical examination n Request old charts n Order investigations n Provide for follow up n

Assessment of Communication n n This is scored on the overall feel of the clinical interview The candidate is assessed on: • Para-verbal communication • Ability to put the patient at ease • Empathy and nonjudgmental demeanor • Avoidance of medical jargon

Summary n n Each SOO has two problems Once the problems are identified they need to be put in context of the patient’s life and supports Management has to be mutually agreeable Communication skills are important

Passing the Exam n n You are assessed on your overall score for each section of the examination Consequently, a poor performance on one question may be negated by a good performance on others

Good Luck!! More information available: www. cfpc. ca

Acknowledgements n n Dr. John Campbell (? CCFP), Past President, Section of Residents Communication Committee, Section of Residents