Welcome to our SOX (Support On eXams) webpage.
We appreciate that this can be a stressful time. If you need any further support please view: https://www.practitionerhealth.nhs.uk/ as well as the Lead Employer Trust website or BMA website.
Please do not hesitate to contact your Educational Supervisor, Training Programme Director, or Occupational Health if you are struggling. There is a wealth of support available which is confidential.
In August 2021 HEE North East and North Cumbria launched the RCA/CSA SOX programme. This innovative programme was developed by two CSA Examiners within HEE North West. The programme was originally designed to support those on an extension to pass their CSA exam. The programme has and continues to be a huge success, with adaptations being made to ensure alignment with the current exam format (now SCA).
Before we look at the SCA SOX further down the page, please find below a two-part presentation with video commentary created, and delivered by, our SOX Lead Dr Harriet Williamson. This is a fantastic resource for GP Doctors in Training to watch before attempting the SCA exam for the first time, or as a support resource to help those who have attempted and failed the exam too.
The presentation is intended to be watched in one go, so please ensure to watch both parts one after the other. Click the images to view the videos.
Continuing on the theme of SCA exam prep, please see below a video created by Dr Williamson discussing the common pitfalls and how you can avoid them.
SCA SOX
This programme is designed to best support you in achieving success in your SCA.
SOX is by invitation only to doctors who have sat, and failed, their SCA exam. Invites are sent out from Central Office directly to eligible GP Doctors in Training (GPDiTs) soon after the exam results are published.
If you think you should have received an invite but cannot see one, please email ash.robson@nhs.net to enquire further.
Is SOX worth my time?
Below is feedback taken directly from the SOX feedback surveys provided to all DiTs who have completed SOX with us:
- 83% said they left the SOX day session feeling more confident about resitting the SCA exam
- 100% were satisfied or very satisfied with the SOX tutorial they received
- 100% found the advice provided by their SOX Educator at the tutorial helpful or very helpful.
- 100% would recommend SOX to colleagues
"A very personalised tutoring that provided an insight and direction for improvement. It marked a change of approach to me as it helped me come to grips with the consultation timeline. Even more specifically, I credit my SOX Educator with helping me appreciate the value of verbal clues and how to pick these up during the consultation".
" My SOX Educator was experienced and was able to figure out what I did wrong by watching some of my recordings. He had really practical advice which was helpful in my second SCA".
"Criticism and tips from someone who has never seen me consult in person but has watched my videos. Which is what the exam process usually is".
"A platform to discuss our weak points without judgement".
"Learned better communication skills and shared management which helped me pass the SCA".
"Understanding my consultation skills - explained to me based on RAG rating tool and how I can improve"
What does SCA SOX involve?
The SOX day is held virtually via Teams, and usually runs from 10am to 4pm.
Once registered, you will receive information from Central Office detailing the agenda for the day plus any other information required.
During the SOX day you will have the opportunity to:
1. discuss the SCA
2. learn how best to prepare
3. be introduced to the FourteenFish SCA-SOX package
4. practice role playing cases with experienced SCA Examiners.
SCA-SOX Tutorial and Resources
Following the SOX Day, you will need to purchase the consultation package from 14Fish using Accent Leave Manager to seek approval.
You can claim the cost of the package back using EASY expenses.
You will then be matched to an SCA-SOX Educator. You need to contact them and arrange a tutorial with both you and your Trainer. Please note you only receive one tutorial with the SOX Educator as part of the process.
You will be asked to record three consultations in your surgery before the SCA-SOX tutorial. These recordings will be used for teaching purposes in your SCA-SOX tutorial. You will also be asked to complete a questionnaire in advance of the tutorial, this will be emailed to you.
When you purchase the SCA Plus package you will be able to record your 3 consultations on FourteenFish through the package, and then share them with your allocated SOX Tutor. The cost of the SCA Plus Package can be claimed back via ALM and Easy expenses.
If you opt not to buy the SCA Plus package, please let your allocated Tutor know that you will be sharing consultations via FourteenFish with them, but not via the package. This affects how they can view and rate the consultations on their side, so it is helpful for them to know in advance of the tutorial.
There is guidance here on how to record and share consultations and here on how to use the SCA Plus package.
The consultation videos should be watched by your Trainer, yourself and your SOX Educator before the tutorial and reflected on, using the 14Fish SOX RAG rating. You will be introduced to this during the SOX DiT Day, and a copy will be provided during the SOX Tutorial matching process.
The SOX Educator will also review your e-portfolio and questionnaire before the tutorial.
During the tutorial you will be given personalised and focussed feedback on how best to prepare for your SCA.
It is well recognised that candidates do best if they have at least 3 months between an exam failure and resit.
If you plan to sit your SCA within this 3-month period, please let us know and discuss this with your TPD.
The table below shows the planned SOX Day dates for 2024/25. Please note that these dates may change if the RCGP changes any of the results dates or there are issues with Educator availability etc.
Useful Resources:
Exam Game Plan
The North West team have created a fantastic SCA resource which can be found here
RCGP - Introduction to the SCA Consultation Toolkit
RCGP - Everything you need to know about the SCA
RCGP - SCA Preparation Webinars for ST2s and ST3s
RCGP - sign up to the SCA news emails
RCGP - SCA Courses