Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE) Are A Feasible Method of Teaching How to Discuss a Nonepileptic Seizure Diagnosis

Effectively presenting the diagnosis of psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) is important to optimize patient outcomes. We designed an OSCE in which a resident had to inform a standardized patient of her PNES diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan, with real time feedback by the SP and an observing attending. Residents found the OSCE helpful with the greatest room for improvement being in the domain of psychosocial assessment. Overall, we found this OSCE to be a feasible and useful way to teach residents about discussing PNES, as they allow for real-time practice and feedback in a safe environment without real patients.