Station-Specific Criteria

• Criterion: The name and role of the doctor is stated. The names of the parent and child are clarified.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor clearly introduces themselves as Dr. Johnson, a junior doctor, and addresses the patient as Mrs. Goldentree, confirming her identity as David’s mother. The names of both the doctor and the patient are consistently used throughout the conversation, ensuring clarity and effective communication. Therefore, the criterion of stating the name and role of the doctor, as well as clarifying the names of the parent and child, is done well in this conversation.

• Criterion: The aim of the consultation is established.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The aim of the consultation is clearly established in this conversation. The doctor introduces themselves, confirms the patient’s identity and reason for the visit, and acknowledges the patient’s concerns about the MMR vaccine. They state their intention to discuss those concerns and provide information to help the patient make an informed decision. Throughout the conversation, the doctor consistently addresses the patient’s concerns, provides detailed information, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella and their potential complications. They also provide statistics and research evidence to support their statements. The doctor ensures that the patient understands the risks and benefits of the MMR vaccine and encourages them to ask any further questions or seek additional information. Overall, the aim of the consultation is satisfactorily established in this conversation.

• Criterion: The doctor explores the mother’s concerns about giving the MMR vaccine.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor in the conversation has done well in exploring the mother’s concerns about giving the MMR vaccine. The doctor acknowledges the concerns, provides evidence-based information, and addresses each concern raised by the mother. They explain the lack of evidence linking the vaccine to autism, discuss the risks of not vaccinating, provide tips for protection if the vaccine is not given, address the risks and side effects of the vaccine, and highlight the potential complications of measles, mumps, and rubella. The doctor’s responses are comprehensive, informative, and tailored to the mother’s concerns, allowing her to make an informed decision.

• Criterion: The doctor states to the mother that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and that there is overwhelming scientific evidence to shows that it is safe.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The conversation between the doctor and the patient has done well in satisfying the criterion of stating that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, and that there is overwhelming scientific evidence to support the safety of the vaccine. The doctor consistently reassures the patient by mentioning multiple large-scale studies that have found no evidence of a link between the vaccine and autism. The doctor also addresses the patient’s concerns about the risks of the vaccine and emphasizes that the risks are extremely rare and outweighed by the benefits. Overall, the doctor effectively communicates the lack of a link and provides the patient with information to support the safety of the MMR vaccine.

• Criterion: The doctor explains that the theory of a link between MMR and autism comes from one small study of 12 children that has been discredited and shown to be fraudulent and that lots of subsequent large population based studies have overwhelmingly shown no link.
  Option: Satisfactory
  Justification: The conversation provided some information about the extensive research conducted on the MMR vaccine and autism, including specific studies published in reputable journals. While the conversation did not explicitly address the discredited and fraudulent study that initially suggested a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, it did provide accurate information about the overwhelming evidence against a link. The conversation met the main goal of addressing the patient’s concerns and providing information to make an informed decision, although it did not fully meet the criterion of explaining the origins of the theory and discrediting the fraudulent study. Overall, the conversation can be considered satisfactory in addressing the criterion.

• Criterion: The doctor explains the benefits of the MMR vaccine- prevention of measles, mumps and rubella – Measles is a serious illness and on the rise, fatality rate of 1 in 5000. Mumps infection can be associated with male infertility; Rubella in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor in the conversation has done well in explaining the benefits of the MMR vaccine - prevention of measles, mumps, and rubella. The doctor provides comprehensive information about the potential complications and risks associated with these diseases, highlighting the seriousness of each. The doctor also emphasizes the importance of vaccination in preventing these diseases and their potential complications. The information provided is detailed and supported by statistics, ensuring that the patient is well-informed about the benefits of the MMR vaccine.

• Criterion: The doctor explains the risks – risk of developing a temperature after the vaccine ( rarely, febrile convulsion ), mild forms of each illness developing, rash post vaccination, very very rarely an allergic reaction may occur.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor in the conversation provided a comprehensive explanation of the risks associated with the MMR vaccine. They covered the common side effects, addressed the patient’s concerns about rare but serious risks, and provided scientific evidence to support the safety of the vaccine. The doctor ensured that the patient was well-informed about the potential risks and benefits, allowing them to make an informed decision. Overall, the doctor satisfactorily met the criterion by thoroughly explaining the risks associated with the MMR vaccine.

• Criterion: The doctor explains that number of cases of measles may meet WHO classification for being ‘eliminated’. However there are still outbreaks so vaccination is important to continue protecting child. Recommendation is to have the MMR vaccine.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor in the conversation has done well in addressing the criterion. They provide comprehensive information about the importance of the MMR vaccine in protecting the child from measles, mumps, and rubella, despite the classification of measles as ‘eliminated’ in some countries. The doctor explains the risk of occasional outbreaks and the potential exposure through international travel. They also highlight the seriousness of these diseases and the potential complications they can cause. The doctor consistently recommends the MMR vaccine as the most effective way to protect against these diseases and their potential complications. They address the patient’s concerns and provide evidence-based information to support their recommendations. Overall, the doctor satisfactorily satisfies the criterion by providing a thorough explanation of the importance of the MMR vaccine and the need to continue vaccination.

• Criterion: The doctor responds to mums concerns sensitively, summarises main points from the consultation, allows opportunity for questions, and recommends sources of information.
  Option: Done Well
  Justification: The doctor in the conversation responds to the patient’s concerns sensitively by acknowledging and understanding her worries about the MMR vaccine. The doctor provides evidence-based information to address each concern and reassures the patient. The doctor summarizes the main points from the consultation, including the lack of evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism, the importance of vaccination, and the potential complications of measles, mumps, and rubella. The doctor allows opportunities for questions and offers further guidance and support if needed. The doctor also recommends specific studies published in reputable medical journals as sources of information. Overall, the doctor satisfies the criterion by effectively addressing the patient’s concerns, summarizing key points, allowing for questions, and recommending credible sources of information.

Overall Grade

• Option: Clear Pass
  Justification: The doctor effectively fulfilled the tasks given to them. They introduced themselves and clarified the names of the parent and child. They established the aim of the consultation and explored the mother’s concerns about the MMR vaccine. They provided evidence-based information to address the concerns and reassured the mother about the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. They also explained the benefits of the vaccine and the risks associated with measles, mumps, and rubella. The doctor responded to the mother’s questions and concerns sensitively and provided additional resources for further information. Overall, the doctor demonstrated sound interpersonal and clinical skills and effectively integrated all the components of the task.

Communication Skills

• Option: Good
  Justification: The doctor responds effectively to the patient’s needs and cues. They provide clear and concise information, addressing the patient’s concerns about the MMR vaccine and autism. The doctor uses appropriate language and tone, putting the patient at ease and ensuring they understand the risks and benefits of the vaccine. However, there are a few instances where the doctor could have been more empathetic and reassuring, especially when discussing the potential risks of the vaccine. Overall, the doctor demonstrates good communication skills, but there is room for improvement in terms of empathy and reassurance.

Organisational Skills

• Option: Good
  Justification: The doctor demonstrates a well-organized approach throughout the conversation. They start by introducing themselves and clarifying the names of the parent and child. They establish the aim of the consultation and explore the mother’s concerns about the MMR vaccine. The doctor provides clear and evidence-based information about the lack of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism, as well as the benefits of the vaccine in preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. They also explain the risks associated with the vaccine. The doctor addresses the mother’s concerns sensitively, summarizes the main points, and offers an opportunity for questions. Overall, the doctor demonstrates a proficient and professional approach to the conversation.