1. OSPHE exam - the candidate’s perspective Sarah Bowman 11 December 2009

2. The exam Comprehensive Reasonable A good test of knowledge and skills Pressurised Tiring!

3. 8 minutes… x 6 8 mins prep 1 min break 8 mins scenario 1 min break Exam: just under 2 hrs Total: half day Move rooms

4. Types of question Data Media / comms Exceptional case Patient / public Health protection Policy / strategy / action plan ? Or a combination…

5. 8 minutes prep What is the question? What outcome do you want? Structure your thoughts Pre-empt questions / concerns / approach Pick out key facts / points ? Use flipchart

6. Structures Communications (3 key messages) Data (bias, confounding, chance, reliability, truth) ‘Generic’ structure But also be flexible

7. ‘Generic’ structure Introduction & role Confirm purpose / what you’re going to say Say it Next steps / action plan Check for understanding / questions Public health context Key messages Facts / data / examples Answer questions & concerns Opportunity for public health messages / promotion?

8. Pitfalls (1) Diverting from the point Over-running Not clarifying key messages / next steps Succumbing to pressure to change message Being put off by the response of the role player

9. Pitfalls (2) Not acknowledging emotion / agenda of role-player (doesn’t mean you need to agree!) Preparing the wrong scenario

10. Tips Moving rooms is well-organised You may not reach a satisfactory conclusion If you don’t finish, move on Don’t panic Forget the past…