How to use ACES for PACES
Introduction
♥
This book is primarily a book on clinical skills. The idea for the
book came when we ran the PACES exam in Dundee for the first time when this
format was introduced replacing the former part 2 clinical section of the MRCP.
ª
The reason for writing mainly as a book on clinical skills was
because it became apparent that candidates failed the exam because of wrong
methods used in history taking, physical examination and communication rather
than lack of knowledge
¨
These candidates knowledge had been tested in the first and second
theory parts and would be sufficient by the time the candidate reached the
clinical section.
§
As the book took form it was decided to expand the remit of the
book and make it more a clinical skills book rather than an exam book so that
medical students, candidates taking other clinical exams and clinicians wishing
to improve their skills could also use the book.
♥
This is why the title is ACES for PACES rather than ACES for MRCP
PACES.
ª
The book is a synthesis of knowledge, clinical and teaching
experience gleaned over 32 years.
Preface
¨
Please read this carefully as it gives an insight into the
philosophy behind this book.
Clinical Skills
§
First use this book to learn or improve your clinical skills.
♥
Read chapter one to gain an insight into examinations and how to
learn medicine.
ª
Read chapters 2 to 8 to gain an insight into what clinical skills
mean, why they are important, how to learn them, develop them and use them.
¨
Read the chapters on the different systems, learn the methods,
practice them and go through and learn the diseases that may affect the systems
and how to analyse the clinical features that may result from these diseases.
§
Revise over and over as repetition is the key to success.
Preparing for Examinations
♥
It is essential to have an idea of what type of cases may be seen
in examinations.
ª
Depending on the examination that you are undertaking; PACES,
OSCES, Short cases, Long cases, it would be advisable to find out what type of
case may be seen.
¨
There are many books and websites that give you information
regarding the exam concerned and the types of cases that you may encounter.
§
These resources usually have a description of typical cases that
may be encountered
♥
Go through these books and websites using the methods described in
ACES for ACES to analyse the clinical features of the cases described, plan
investigation and plan management. Then use the methods described in ACES for
PACES to plan communication.
ª
Remember the secret of success in examinations and clinical
practice is:
Correct Methods:
·
History taking
·
Physical examination
·
Planning investigation
·
Planning management
·
Communication
¨
Use ACES for PACES to learn these methods
§
Revision notes to help you prepare for examinations are available
at Medical Revision. org. these notes are based on the methods described in ACES
for PACES
Learning and Teaching Clinical
Methods
To gain an insight into practical
clinical ( bedside) teaching using the methods and information ( the system)
contained in aces for paces , please visit Clinical-Skills Blogspot
We hope that this
book ACES for PACES will help you improve your clinical skills and enable you to
achieve the gold standard for MRCP PACES