ICM 5

ICM 5 is primarily a revision subject. The only new content introduced is that of breast examination, skin history and examination and sexual history. Students use Semester 5 as a consolidation semester with skills learnt in the previous two years being used in the community setting, in preparation for later hospital clinical rotations.

Core objectives

By the end of Semester 5, the students should be able to meet all the following objectives:

• Demonstrate an ability to use basic communication skills to interview a patient: active listening skills, including non-verbal communication skills; questioning skills; reflecting skills; establishing rapport; interview management, including information gathering and giving; have an understanding of diverse patient contexts including age, gender, culture, sexuality and ethnicity.
• Interview a patient to: fully characterise the presenting problem; elicit a social history including diet, exercise, smoking, alcohol and occupation; and assess adherence to medication regimen.
• Demonstrate special interviewing skills: communication with people who have hearing impairment; communication with people who have cognitive impairment and their carers; talking with patients about sexual issues; appropriate communication with patients during sensitive examinations (eg sexual history, breast examination).
• Perform a basic physical examination of the following: blood pressure, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system (hip and knee), nervous system, hearing (examination of the ear using an otoscope), mini-mental state examination, examination of the skin and subcutaneous tissues, and examination of the breast.
• Perform the following procedures: hand-washing, and use of a peak flow meter.

ICM 5 GP Placement - Student Information Form

Please complete the Student Information Form by 23 February 2007. Special circumstances will not be noted if a form is not returned.