In the NAC-OSCE, non-verbal cues from your patient matter just much as verbal ones. When you enter your station and initiate the encounter, carefully observe and assess your patient's affect and demeanor. Picking-up and responding to your patient's non-verbal cues may help you get to the heart of the patient's concern faster.

Here are a few questions to consider:

How are they dressed?

How is their posture?

Are they making eye contact?

Are they guarding a part of their body?

Do they appear sad or quiet?

Do they seem to be in any pain?

It is equally important to repeat your assessment of the patient's demeanor as you close the station.

Does your patient appear confused or overloaded with information?

Does your patient seem receptive to your diagnosis and suggested treatment plan?

Be sure to check-in with your patient if you aren't certain.

To sum up, remember that non-verbal patient cues matter.

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