Examines thoroughly and systematically

Examines systematically

Examines inadequately, either by omission or by lack of system

Examines badly and unsystematically

Talks to patient in a structured but flexible manner, using intelligible language and avoiding jargon.

Talks to patient in a mainly structured manner.

Uses unstructured language and is unaware of communication problems with the patient.

Talks to the patient in a completely unstructured way and uses technical jargon.

Displays confidence, rapport and empathy.

Demonstrates correct approach to the patient.

May appear inappropriately confident, or unconfident/hesitant. Poor rapport with the patient.

Causes the patient visible physical or mental distress and is oblivious to it.

Demonstrates correct and comprehensive clinical method and skills, eliciting the correct physical signs.

Demonstrates majority of clinical skills correctly and elicits the majority of physical signs correctly.

Misses important or obvious physical signs, resulting in poor or incorrect formulation of differential diagnosis.

Misses or invents the majority of physical signs and is unable to appreciate their significance in solving clinical problems.

Discusses clinical issues sensibly, spontaneously and with confidence, whilst able to negotiate and acknowledge areas of doubt/ignorance. Shows awareness of patient concerns.

Majority of discussion sensible and correct, with no important errors of fact or interpretation.

Inadequate appreciation of patient's problems and concerns. Large part of discussion incorrect through inadequate clinical skills or underlying ignorance. Is unaware of patient's concerns or deals with them inappropriately.

Demonstrates an inability to discuss, or most of the discussion is incorrect, despite examiner's attempts at assistance. Lacks insight.

Clear, appropriate and professional. Able to solve the problem posed by the patient.

Reasonable clinical thinking. Muddled clinical thinking.

Examiner has to work hard to give assistance.

Poor grasp of clinical concepts and may be argumentative.