In NAC-OSCE stations, it's crucial to not overlook the patient's perspective. The patient is an expert on their own health. They can offer valuable insights on their current condition which will directly help you narrow the scope of your differentials. A simple way to involve the patient is to invite them to ask questions and share their thoughts with you: "Do have any thoughts on what might be going on?" "What do you think might have brought this on?" "Do you have any questions for me?"

You just don't know what you might miss you if you don't invite the patient to share their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Their insight(s) into their own condition may very well prove to be the missing link or even the key to your diagnosis. You may even get to the heart of the station faster. It is also a great way to build rapport as well as an excellent strategy to employ if you're ever feeling lost in a station because it might trigger a new path to explore or help you get back on track.

Lastly, when you seek out your patient's perspective, please remember to kindly acknowledge their statements. Here are a few sample responses:

"Yes, that could be a possibility. Let's look into this."

"Thanks for sharing that with me. May I ask you some more questions on that matter."

"What makes you think you that it is (insert any condition here)?"

"I share your concern."

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