The recent changes in the delivery of mental healthcare, including the introduction of functional teams, appears to have fragmented service delivery. This has been accompanied by a fragmentation of knowledge in the form of competency-based assessments. This resulted in competencies that are difficult to measure being ignored. The Clinical Assessment of Competencies and Skills (CASC), especially the linked CASC, are probably the most advanced forms of competency-based assessments. They offer considerable semblance to normal clinical practice.
Since the introduction of the linked CASC in the MRCPsych exams, there has been a relatively unmet need for books for candidates preparing for these exams. Justin Saucer and his team have successfully filled this gap. This book presents more than 100 CASC stations, both linked and stand-alone, covering all subspecialties of psychiatry, including physical examination and investigations. The stations are well referenced and have many useful tips for candidates. The editor has ensured that all the contributors follow the same format. Every station is systematically organised under the headings ‘key points’, ‘set the scene’, ‘completing the tasks’, ‘problem solving’ and ‘additional points’. The impressive front cover would make the reader feel like being a doctor again.
The organisation of the book sometimes makes it difficult to navigate through. For example, some answers appear 20–30 pages after the question. Although it would increase the number of pages, starting every station on a new page would have been more reader friendly. Candidates sitting the MRCPsych CASC exams do have to remember that books, however good they are, cannot substitute, but can only compliment, clinical skills and experience.
Overall, this is an excellent revision book that would help candidates increase their chances of passing the MRCPsych CASC exams.
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