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A snapshot of current Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) practice at Australian medical schools

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-20, 02:17 authored by Heal, C, D'Souza, K, Banks, J, Malau-Aduli, BS, Richard TurnerRichard Turner, Smith, J, Bray, E, Lizzi ShiresLizzi Shires, Wilson, I

Objective: The objective of this collaborative study was to compare current practices of conducting high-stake, exit-level Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) at all Australian medical schools. We aimed to document similarities and differences between schools, and compare existing practice against available gold standard, evidence-based practice. We also aimed to identify areas where gold standards do not currently exist, and could be developed in the future.

Methods: A 72-item semi-structured questionnaire was sent to all 19 Australian medical schools with graduating students.

Results: A total of 18/19 schools responded. Of these, 16/18 schools had summative exit-level OSCEs representing content from multiple medical specialties. The total number of OSCE stations varied from 8 to 16, with total OSCE testing time ranging from 70 to 160 min. All schools blueprinted their OSCE to their curriculum, and trained simulated patients and examiners. There was variation in the format of marking rubric used.

Conclusions: This study has provided insight into the current OSCE practices of the majority of medical schools in Australia. Whilst the comparative data reveal a wide variation in OSCE practices between schools, many recommended “gold standard” OSCE practices are implemented. The collective awareness of our similarities and differences provides us with a baseline platform, as well as an impetus for iterative quality improvement. Such discourse also serves to develop new gold standards in practice where none have previously existed.

History

Publication title

Medical Teacher

Pagination

1-7

ISSN

0142-159X

Department/School

Tasmanian School of Medicine

Publisher

Informa Healthcare

Place of publication

United Kingdom

Rights statement

Copyright 2018 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in education; Expanding knowledge in the health sciences

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