'test' session

I'm not real sure where to put this.

I've mentioned before participating in learning for medical students. Usually it is as simple as an interview by a room full of students freshly into their studies. Sometimes it is one or several students getting practise by conducting a mock session.

This time was a whole lot more than that and yes it meant for a rush of stress. It was a final practical exam. A big dose of the jitters. This woman's career was dependent on my performance - or so it felt like.

So it is the situation I need to share for it really got my hackles up. It was her and myself with a third individual quietly watching - I assume they were there for my benefit. But folks, it was the fact that there was a mirror on the wall that had me get my shirt in a knot. Quite obviously this was a one-way mirror and I was apparently to perform (that's what it felt like). I found out on completion that his observation room was indeed full of a handful of evaluators. It turned out too I was being recorded on video (which really unnerved me as they had not advised me of such or asked permission beforehand).

I think I did well. The doctor being tested did a good job in my opinion but I left on a bit of a sour note. Legally, shouldn't I have been advised beforehand I was going to be observed and recorded?

I don't know about the legality of it but it would have been courteous. Maybe they didn't tell you so you would ask more naturally. Sending big hugs.

I had not considered this. thank you

for practicals no there is no need to tell the "client" they are being observed and recorded. its common knowledge that when someone volunteers to be part of someone elses practical exam as a client they they are being observed. its already part of a person finding out what their job as a client during a practical exam or volunteering to be a victim/ client or otherwise in demonstrations, exams and so on. so the doctors, therapists and others that are doing their trainings and texts on their victims and clients do not have to do that part.

when this person gets a job as a treatment provider again they will not have to do the telling the client that they are going to be observed or recorded. its in the intake papers that the clients sign before they even get assigned a treatment provider in the rights and responsibilities and what they consent to as part of seeing any treatment providers at a mental health agency.

at least thats how things are done here in ny. the client is notified that the agency does or does not use observation and recording as part of their services and sign below to show you have read and understand the agencies policy and how they will use your personal information forms.

I spoke to a sessional lecturer (ethics actually) at the medical school. He has been involved himself and participated as an observer in such exams. He was terribly upset to learn I had neither been informed nor given my consent.

I don't know the legal angle, but I think they should have informed you that you were being observed, instead of assuming you knew. Maybe look at it as an opportunity for growth. You saw the mirror and got uncomfortable. At that moment was the time to speak up. Ask questions, like what the hell is mirror here for? Am I in a zoo?

I think that a lot of us with mental issues feel less than and get embarrassed when we are in a questionable situation with a mental health professional. I look at it like this. If I was in my gynecologist office and they had a one way mirror I'd want to know what the hell was going on! I would also immediately put a stop to activities. No difference in a mental health setting. That's just my 2 cents, but then I'm a bit weird.