Chest Pain History Taking – How to Structure an OSCE History | OSCE Talk

In this episode of OSCE Talk, Matthew and Peter walk through a full example of how to take a chest pain history — putting into practice the frameworks and skills discussed in earlier episodes.

We show how to structure questions, explore symptoms, and think through different causes while keeping communication clear and patient-centred. This episode is designed to help you visualise what an organised, effective OSCE history sounds like.

Key Takeways

• Follow a clear, logical structure when approaching chest pain.

• Use open questions early to let patients describe their symptoms.

• Always ask about associated and relieving factors.

• Remember family history and modifiable risks.

• ECG and troponins are key early investigations.

• Summarise and explain your plan in plain language.

• Practise aloud — hearing the flow builds real confidence.

00:00 – Introduction to Chest Pain History Taking
06:10 – Conducting a Patient Interview
09:01 – Differential Diagnosis and Investigations
10:07 – Conclusion and Next Steps

🎧 Listen & Follow:
🎙️ Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/01yz38zJwwHIk6lEdEtIs3?si=6ada2aec3b834e77
▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@oscetalkpod
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oscetalk_/
🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oscetalk_

💬 Tell us which OSCE scenario you’d like to hear next — and don’t forget to follow for weekly, practical exam tips.

Disclaimer

OSCE Talk is an educational resource designed primarily to help healthcare students prepare for clinical examinations. Episodes on the key, exam-relevant and salient points of each topic and are not intended to provide a complete or exhaustive review of clinical management.

​

Content is for educational puporses only and should not be used as a substitute for formal teaching, clinical supervision, local policies or current national guidance. While we aim to keep our content accurate and useful, medical guidance changes over time and episodes may contain omissions or necessary simplifications.

​

Always refer to appropiate guidance when making clinical decisions or caring for patients.