Ability to Cope with Pressure
Introduction
General Practice is fast-paced and unpredictable. The Irish GP SJT assesses whether you can remain calm, prioritise patient safety, recognise your limits, and make safe professional decisions under pressure.
Managing pressure does not mean handling everything alone—it means knowing when to pause, prioritise, and seek appropriate support.
Why This Competency Matters
Doctors who cope well under pressure are more likely to:
- Maintain patient safety
- Make sound clinical decisions
- Communicate professionally
- Reduce the risk of errors
- Protect their own wellbeing
Exam Pearl: Patient safety always takes priority over speed.
Common Sources of Pressure
Expect SJT scenarios involving:
- Heavy workload or time pressure
- Clinical uncertainty
- Difficult patients or relatives
- Multiple competing tasks
- Fatigue or long shifts
- Conflict within the healthcare team
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What the SJT Is Testing
Examiners want to see that you can:
- Stay calm and think logically
- Prioritise urgent problems first
- Recognise your own limitations
- Seek senior support when appropriate
- Delegate safely when necessary
- Continue to act professionally under pressure
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of good judgement—not weakness.
High-Yield Exam Strategy
When faced with a stressful scenario:
- Prioritise patient safety.
- Assess the urgency.
- Work within your competence.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully.
- Escalate concerns early when required.
Avoid trying to solve every problem independently if patient care may be compromised.
GP Exam Pearl – Think "CALM"
C – Communicate clearly.
A – Assess priorities.
L – Look after patient safety first.
M – Maintain professionalism under pressure.
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Key Takeaway
High-scoring candidates remain calm, prioritise patient safety, recognise their limitations, and seek appropriate support when needed. In the Irish GP SJT, professionalism under pressure is judged by safe decision-making, not by managing everything alone.
