OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE)

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Objective Structured Clinical Examination is one of several methods of assessing the clinical competence of medical students. Though popular in most medical schools globally, its use in Ethiopian medical schools appears limited. The department of Pediatrics in Jimma University is the only clinical program with a relatively long (9 years) experience with this assessment format. The major objective of the study was to evaluate students’ perception about the validity, comprehensiveness and acceptability of the test. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of three successive batches of medical students, who had been examined with Objective Structured Clinical Examination, was conducted and data related to the general conduct, validity, objectivity and comprehensiveness of the test in pediatrics was collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using EpiData version 3.1. The study was conducted in March 2007. RESULTS: Of 144 eligible medical students, 122 completed the questionnaire representing close to 85.0% of all the students in the 3 batches. Eighty-seven (71.3%) of the respondents reported that clear and adequate instructions were given at each station and 74(60.7%) perceived that the test created a good learning opportunity highlighting their areas of weakness. Moreover, 66(54.1%) also agreed that the exam covered common and relevant topics consistent with stated teaching objectives 71(58.2%). However, a considerable number of them, 53(43.4%), expressed their experience that examiners at manned stations were intimidating and individual feedback was offered only to a minority, 31(25.4%). Sixty-seven (54.9%) respondents expressed their opinion that the test was fair in assessing knowledge and skills and 87(71.3%) further stated that personality, gender and other attributes of candidates do not affect test scores. CONCLUSION: Overall, students’ evaluation of Objective Structured Clinical Examination was remarkably encouraging. Nevertheless, the added advantages of the evaluation of medical students can be maximized only if standard procedures are followed in its preparation and timely feedback are offered on the performance of candidates. To this end, we recommend that continuing appraisal and refinement of Objective Structured Clinical Examination be done by the department.