As a second year medical student, you will have many experiences with Standardized Patients at the Wasson Center and with clinical models and instructors at the clinical campus family practice centers.

• The Office of Health Professions Education (HPE) and the Wasson Center collaborate to provide all of the Standardized Patient-based activities for second year medical students.
• HPE schedules the students. If you have questions or concerns regarding specifics of an activity or your individual schedule, please contact HPE at extension 6500.

The purpose of the CSA II is (a) to provide an objective evaluation of every student’s ability at the end of the second year of medical school to conduct a complete history and physical, communicate appropriately and effectively with a patient, and present a case to a physician; and (b) to provide students and faculty information about students’ readiness to move into the clerkship year.

Description of CSA II

Each student will see one standardized patient case. 

The session consists of:

• One hour to conduct a complete history and physical exam
• 15 minutes to organize information
• 15 minutes to present the case to the physician rater and receive feedback from physician and patient.

The skills to be assessed include communication, history-taking, physical exam, problem identification, and case presentation.

Rating

Students will be observed by a physician rater to ensure that all elements of the assessment have been performed and that the student can present patient information in a concise and organized fashion.  The rater will rate student’s clinical, communication and presentation skills and Standardized Patients will rate students on interpersonal and communication skills.

Acceptable Level of Performance (ALP)

The cases for the CSA II are created by clinical faculty and approved by the Clinical Skills Advisory Committee.

A minimum acceptable level of performance for history-taking, physical exam, presentation, and communication skills for each case has been pre-determined by content and measurement experts.

What if you do not pass the CSA II?

Any student not meeting the ALP on the CSA II will be required to:

1. Review his/her videotape in the Wasson Center for self critique;
2. Meet with the Wasson Center Medical Director to develop an individual learning plan;
3. Engage in a self-directed practice period;
4. Return to the Wasson Center for a repeat assessment with another Standardized Patient case to ensure the skill levels have been achieved.

How is the information from the CSA II used?

A copy of your pass letter is forwarded to Student Services for your file. 

Preparation

1. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your session start time for a complete orientation.

2. Please bring your white coat and stethoscope.

3. Approach the patient as if you are actually in charge of his/her care. 

4. Accept feedback from the physician rater as a learning opportunity.

5.  The professional code of honor and ethics prevails. 

The staff at the Wasson Center is prepared to assist you.  If you have questions please call 330.325.6750.  You are welcome to visit the Center before the assessment to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.