Examination of a 20-Year-Old with Acute Ear Pain course for GPs



This session uses a video clip to demonstrate how to carry out a focused, problem-based physical examination on a patient presenting with acute ear pain in primary care.
This session was reviewed by Khyati Bakhai and last updated in September 2018.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session you will be able to:
- Describe an appropriate problem-based examination of a patient presenting with ear pain
- Carry out a careful examination of the ear to help exclude serious pathology
- Demonstrate the ability to use an auriscope correctly
- Explain the examination and findings to the patient
Acute pain in the ear is common and is often caused by infection. This might include infection of the outer ear, the middle ear or the mastoid.

Before commencing this session you should:
- Complete the introductory session to this module: Introduction to Physical Examination (400-0001)
- Be working or training in a general practice context
Dr MeiLing Denney qualified as a GP in 1987 and gained a degree in Medical Education from Nottingham University in 2002. Having been a fulltime GP principal for 15 years, she now works as a portfolio GP. She has longstanding interests in training, assessment and appraisal of doctors, and is a GP Trainer, Vocational Training Programme Director, and an experienced MRCGP examiner.
Within the RCGP Clinical Skills Assessment Core Group she has been at the heart of development and maintenance of this exam. As part of the MRCGP Blueprinting group, she works with others on appropriate coverage of curriculum areas across the CSA, AKT and workplace based assessment. She regularly teaches consultation and clinical skills, and has produced or contributed to a number of books and DVDs on GP training and exam preparation.
She is also involved in supporting and quality assuring Family Medicine exams for MRCGP International, and a number of Medical Royal Colleges in the UK.

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