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MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUB
← Emergency Medicine / 4th Year / MBBS

OBSERVE / REASON / EXPLAIN

Structured emergency handover

Give a clear handover of an acutely unwell patient.

Original teaching scenario / OSCE

Your practical station

You need senior review for a deteriorating patient. Prepare a concise handover with an explicit request.

Recognise and interpret

A concise structure communicates urgency, key findings, actions and outstanding needs.

  • Situation
  • Assessment
  • Request
1

Situation

Identify the patient, immediate concern and reason for escalation.

2

Assessment

State relevant history, observations, changes and actions taken.

3

Request

Make the required response explicit and confirm understanding.

At the viva table

Try answering aloud, then open the suggested answer. Examiner questions vary.

01 / Why state the request?

The receiving team needs to know what action is required.

02 / Should uncertain findings be presented as confirmed?

No. Clearly distinguish observation from suspicion.

03 / Why include trends?

They show deterioration or response.

04 / Does handover end responsibility automatically?

No. Ensure appropriate acceptance and continuity under the local process.

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