UCAT Situational Judgement Test 2024

SJT Question 1

A group of 1st-year medical students finish up a day of home patient visits to enable them to find out more about chronic conditions like diabetes. They have been able to go to patients' houses and ask them questions about their condition, its duration and its effect on their lives. They decide to meet for coffee after the visits to discuss the symptoms they saw during the day.

How appropriate is the following response by the medical student in this situation?

Mark, one of the medical students, talks to the rest of the group of the patient he saw with diabetic foot ulceration, identifying him by his initials, Mr T.S.

SJT Question 1 - Answer

The overriding theme of this scenario is protecting the identity and anonymity of patients. There are two factors to consider here; the location in which the conversation has taken place, as well as the students’ actual conversation regarding the patient. The fact that Mark has anonymised the patient to only his initials is a good way of protecting the patient.

However, an even better way of protecting his identity would be to remove his initials entirely, perhaps referring to him as Mr X. In this way, no one could link the patient to the discussion that Mark and the other students were having. Whilst Mr T.S is an Appropriate means of anonymity, it is not ideal and could have been improved.

Furthermore, the students have met for coffee, meaning that this will likely be a public location. Again, this compromises the patient’s anonymity and could have been improved by holding the discussion in a private location at the hospital, for example. 

These factors, therefore, make Mark’s actions Appropriate, but not ideal.

SJT Question 2:

You are a medical student on a clinical rotation in the emergency department. A patient comes in with severe abdominal pain, and the attending physician asks you to assist with the physical examination. As you are about to begin, the patient tells you that they are feeling uncomfortable with your gender and request that a different medical student with a different gender assist with the exam. 

How appropriate is the following response by the medical student in this situation?

The medical students respects the patient's wishes and ask a different medical student to assist with the exam.

SJT Question 2 Answer

Very appropriate

Explanation: As a professional within medicine, it is important to prioritise the comfort and dignity of your patients. In this situation, the best thing to do is to respect the patient's wishes and ask a different medical student to help with the physical exam. While it is important for medical students to gain experience, it is not appropriate to prioritise this over the well-being and desire of the patient.

SJT Question 3

You are a medical student who is sitting in on an obstetric and gynaecology clinic during your fifth year rotations. Whilst the consultant is outside taking a call, a pregnant patient asks you for advice on whether to have a natural childbirth or a c-section. 

How appropriate is the following response by the medical student in this situation?

Suggests that the patient speak with their obstetrician for more information.

SJT Question 3 - Answer

Appropriate

As a medical student, you are not qualified (yet) to give medical advice to patients. In this situation, it is appropriate to refer the patient to their obstetrician, who is qualified to provide them with the necessary information and guidance on their delivery options, especially when this is a complex question. 

Question 3: How appropriate is the following response by the medical student in this situation?

A patient's family is constantly questioning the treatment plan and demanding additional tests and procedures. The medical student responds by:

A) Explain to the family that the treatment plan has been carefully developed by the medical team and that additional tests and procedures are not necessary.

B) Accommodate the family's requests in order to make them happy.

C) Ask the attending physician to speak with the family and address their concerns.

D) Avoid interacting with the family as much as possible.

Answer: C (Appropriate but not ideal) Explanation: It is natural for patients' families to have concerns and questions about their loved one's treatment plan. In this situation, it is appropriate to involve the attending physician in addressing the family's concerns. The attending physician is responsible for the patient's care and is the most qualified to address the family's questions and concerns. However, it is not ideal for the medical student to simply avoid interacting with the family altogether. It is important to show compassion and empathy towards the family, even if you are unable to fully address their concerns.

How appropriate is the following response by the medical student in this situation?

A) Respect the patient's wishes and ask a different medical student to assist with the exam.

B) Tell the patient that their request is unreasonable and proceed with the examination.

C) Ask the attending physician for guidance on how to proceed.

D) Explain to the patient that you are a medical student and that it is important for you to gain experience in conducting physical examinations.

Answer: A Explanation: As a medical professional, it is important to prioritize the comfort and dignity of your patients. In this situation, the best course of action is to respect the patient's wishes and ask a different medical student to assist with the exam. While it is important for medical students to gain experience, it is not appropriate to prioritize this over the well-being of the patient.

Question 2: You are on a rotation in the maternity ward, and a pregnant patient asks you for advice on whether to have a natural childbirth or a c-section. How do you respond?

A) Tell the patient that it is their personal choice and that you cannot offer any guidance.

B) Explain the benefits and drawbacks of both options and help the patient make an informed decision.

C) Suggest that the patient speak with their obstetrician for more information.

D) Encourage the patient to have a natural childbirth because it is safer for the baby.

Answer: C Explanation: As a medical student, you are not qualified to give medical advice to patients. In this situation, it is important to refer the patient to their obstetrician, who is qualified to provide them with the necessary information and guidance on their delivery options.

Question 3: You are on a rotation in the intensive care unit, and a patient's family is constantly questioning the treatment plan and demanding additional tests and procedures. How do you handle the situation?

A) Explain to the family that the treatment plan has been carefully developed by the medical team and that additional tests and procedures are not necessary.

B) Accommodate the family's requests in order to make them happy.

C) Ask the attending physician to speak with the family and address their concerns.

D) Avoid interacting with the family as much as possible.

Answer: C Explanation: It is natural for patients' families to have concerns and questions about their loved one's treatment plan. In this situation, it is important to involve the attending physician in addressing the family's concerns. The attending physician is responsible for the patient's care and is the most qualified to address the family's questions and concerns. It is not appropriate to accommodate the family's requests if they are not medically necessary, nor is it appropriate to avoid interacting with the family altogether.

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