Osce application analysis in al-Mustansiriya medical college

Abstract EN

Objective: This study implemented to evaluate a new method of assessment in medical education in pediatrics by exploring students’ acceptance of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).

Methods: A cross-sectional survey using a self administered questionnaire was completed by successive groups of students immediately after the OSCE at the end of each clerkship rotation involving student perception of examination attributes, which included the quality of instructions and organization, the quality of performance, authenticity and fairness of the process, and usefulness of the OSCE as a comprehensive assessment instrument compared to other forms of medical assessments that were used during the pediatrics course training.

Results: All the 214 eligible medical students completed the questionnaire.

The study demonstrated area and the range of clinical skills covered in 175 (81.8%) of responders, fairness in 150 (70.1%), authenticity of the required tasks in 156 (72.9%), the good learning opportunity in 151 (70.6%), highlighting areas of weakness in 156 (72.9%), the clearness and adequacy of instructions in 136 (60.8%), and allowance to compensate in 130 (60.7%) students.

However, 129 (60.3%) students felt that it was a strong anxietyproducing experience.

As well as, 112 (52.4%) expressed concerns regarding inadequacy of time for expected tasks and the ambiguity of some questions in 58 (27.1%) of them.

Conclusions: Overall, students’ evaluation of OSCE in pediatrics was remarkably encouraging as there was great acceptance of the OSCE.

To this end, it is recommended continuing appraisal and refinement of OSCE be done by the department.