Unstructured peer practice is wasted time. Structured peer practice is the most effective SCA preparation method available — and it costs nothing.
SCA Revision Group Feature
One person selects a case from the 350+ case bank, generates a QR code or PIN. Others join and pick roles: doctor (candidate), patient (role-playing from the case card), examiner (marking against the three domains). No limit on who picks which role. The case card provides patient information, presenting complaint, and marking guidance.
Structure That Works
Role rotation. Rotate roles each case. Being the examiner teaches you the marking criteria from the assessor's perspective — invaluable for understanding what earns marks. Being the patient teaches you about cue delivery and pacing.
Strict timing. 12-minute timer from the moment the candidate starts. No pausing. No extending. Exam conditions from session one. This builds the time management that many candidates lack on exam day.
Structured feedback. The examiner gives domain-specific feedback: How was data gathering? Was the management evidence-based? How was the communication? Use the SCA marking framework — not "that was good."
Without SCA Revision
Use free cases from the RCGP Consultation Toolkit. Print case cards from any available source. Assign roles manually. The structure matters more than the case source.
Optimal Format
3 people (one per role) is ideal. Weekly sessions of 4-6 cases, starting 3 months before the exam. Different study partners for variety — each person brings different consulting strengths and weaknesses.
Common Mistakes
Being too nice with feedback (defeats the purpose). Not timing strictly. Dominating as doctor and never being patient or examiner. Using the same study partner every time.
Where iatroX Fits
Before group practice sessions, refresh clinical knowledge on the topics you will cover — iatroX adaptive quiz ensures you know the medicine, making your practice consultations more realistic and your feedback more productive.