KFP Exam Technique Part 1: Improve Your Exam Answers

Specificity Matters in the KFP Exam

• Understanding the Marking Criteria

  • Examiners reward detailed, specific answers.

  • According to the RACGP Key Feature Problems Exam Information clarity and precision are key.

    
    

• Demonstrating Clinical Competence

  • Specific answers showcase your depth of knowledge.

  • They help to differentiate rote memorisation from the ability to apply clinical knowledge to a clinical presentation.

    
    

• Avoiding Common Pitfalls

  • General, vague, or excessive answers can cost valuable marks.

Practical Tips for Writing Specific Answers

• Include Relevant Values and Thresholds

  • Example: "Tachypnoea—the respiratory rate of 30 breaths per minute or more."

  • Reference standard values from RCH for children & adolescents.

    
    

• Specify Conditions and Context

  • Mention if measurements are on room air or supplemental oxygen.

  • Example: "Oxygen saturations <92% on room air."

    
    

• Detail in Allied Health Referrals

  • Include reasons for referrals.

  • Example: "Refer to a physiotherapist for a tailored strengthening program."

    
    

• Provide Clear Timeframes

  • Specify durations when advising patients.

  • Example: "Advise no sexual contact for seven days after treatment is administered."

    
    

• Show patient-centered care

  • Example: "Advise and support the patient to stop smoking."

High-Scoring VS. Low-Scoring Answers

• Example 1: Dehydration Assessment

  • High Score: "Sunken eyes."

  • Low Score: "Dehydration."

  • Tip: Be specific about the physical exam finding related to the sign you’re assessing. Instead of just naming the sign, describe exactly what you’re looking for, so the examiner knows you understand how to identify it.

    
    

• Example 2: Biopsy Procedures

  • High Score: "Excision biopsy with 2mm margins."

  • Low Score: "Excision biopsy."

  • Tip: Always specify margins in dermatological procedures if excising or performing a biopsy.

    
    

• Example 3: Dietary Advice

  • High Score: "Advise a high-fibre diet, aiming for 25–30g of fibre per day."

  • Low Score: "Advise to consume a high-fibre diet."

  • Tip: Quantify recommendations for clarity.

Techniques to Practice Specificity

• Use of Flashcards

  • Reinforce specific answer structures.

  • Check out Brainscape Flashcards for customisable options.

    
    

• Regular Practice with Practice Questions

  • Apply these techniques to practice or previous exams.

  • Access resources from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).

    
    

• Peer Review and Study Groups

  • Discuss answers with fellow trainees.

  • Join Facebook Groups such as Registrars for GP Fellowship Examination Prep.

Non-Pharmacological Management Answer Techniques

• Consistent Answer Templates

  • Develop standard phrases for common answers you are likely to write down 

  • Examples:

    • "Support patient with smoking cessation."

    • "Advise to engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, 5 days a week."

    • “Advised to consume a balanced Mediterranean diet”.

    • “Avoidance of aggravating activities”.

      
      

• Allied Health Referrals

  • Always be specific about the referral purpose.

  • Example: "Refer to a psychologist for cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)."

Maximising Exam Performance

• Practice All Practice Exams and Quizzes Under Exam Conditions

  • Simulate real exam timing (minus 10% to improve your time management skills).

  • Review all Self Assessment Progress Test (SAPT) exams from RACGP.

  • Aim to do all practice questions and quizzes (if you have GP academy) at least twice.

    
    

• Time Management Strategies

  • Allocate time per question.

  • Prioritise answering every question, even if unsure.

    
    

• Handling Mental Blocks

  • Keep a list of "go-to" answer structures.

Conclusion

Mastering the KFP exam isn't just about what you know—it's about how you communicate it. By focusing on specificity and providing clear, detailed answers, you can significantly improve your scores. Remember, every mark counts, and sometimes a small adjustment can make all the difference between passing and failing. Start practicing these techniques today and improve your chances of never having to sit the dreaded KFP again! 

Ready to elevate your exam prep? Explore our PassRACGP Flashcards designed to help you succeed!