OSCEs

Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are now generally considered the new gold standard for evaluating competence (1).

More than ever before healthcare professions are moving towards an OSCE methodology. Some academics go so far as to argue that OSCEs should be considered an important "weapon in the war on medical error and patient harm" (2). Numerous academic papers are available demonstrating the value of SP inclusion within these examinations.

We recognise that the advantages of the OSCE lie in its objectivity and the fact that a variety of clinical skills can be assessed (3). However, we also recognise that coordinating the exams can be a time consuming and difficult process. The recruitment, training and scheduling of SPs can be one of the most expensive and variable aspects contributing to the overall cost of OSCEs (4).

Our personnel have been involved in coordinating OSCEs for the past eight years. These exams have ranged from requiring one SP to over 100. During this time we have invested considerably in improving our OSCE delivery model, ensuring it is adaptable enough to meet all of our clients' diverse needs.

In addition to supplying competent and professionally trained simulated patients, we also implement the following techniques for each OSCE we support:

SP coordinator provided at each site - we provide a site coordinator to attend a site visit prior to the OSCEs and manage and monitor the SPs throughout the exams
Dissemination of information – we ensure that all SPs receive detailed handbooks regarding the logistics of the exams including; information regarding the training sessions, examination centres and attendance times
SP attendance at training sessions – where necessary we coordinate training sessions prior to the OSCEs, allowing all SPs the opportunity to standardise their roles and their levels of grading
Feedback opportunities after training - if the client feels that any of our SPs are unsuitable after the training session we withdraw and replace the individual concerned at no additional cost to the client
Provision of reserves – we will provide reserves at all sites during all exams
SP behaviour standards – we will ensure all SPs behave at the level expected and necessary of them throughout the OSCEs
Evaluation – we understand that evaluating the OSCEs is a vital part of ensuring the ongoing success of the examination process. With this in mind we compile a comprehensive report after each OSCE

We support the idea that "student participation in an OSCE has a positive impact on learning" and we are here to help to you discover the extent of this positive impact (5) .

Whether you're looking for guidance on the appropriate number of stations required to ensure the validity of the exam, advice on SP training techniques, or access to our cohort of over 300 trained SPs, we would be delighted to hear from you.

(1) Sibert, L et al (2000) Initial Experience of an Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Evaluation Urology ResidentsEuropean Urology 37 (621-627)

(2) Battles, J.B. et al (2004) Using standardised patients in an objective structured clinical examination as a patient safety toolQualified Safe Health Care 13 (46 – 50)

(3) Hassell, A.B. (2002) Assessment of Specialist Registrars in Rheumatology: Experience of an OSCE Rheumatology 41 (1323 – 1328)

(4)(5) Shumway, J.M & Harden, R.M. (2003) The Assessment of Learning Outcomes for the Competent and Reflective PhysicianMedical Teacher 25:6 (569 – 584)