Mock OSCEs improve medical students’ confidence and reduce anxiety related to summative examinations

OBJECTIVES: Observed Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are a commonly used method of assessing clinical competence at all levels. Students commonly regard OSCEs as the most stressful component of examinations and they are associated with high levels of anxiety. METHODS: A simulated mock OSCE was designed by a group of junior doctors at a district general hospital. Candidates were from a variety of medical UK medical schools in the final year of their medical degree program. A prospective study was undertaken with candidates anonymously surveyed before and after the mock OSCE. A Numeric Rating Scale of 1-10 was used to assess candidates’ confidence and anxiety related to upcoming summative examinations. Qualitative analysis was also undertaken via written feedback. RESULTS: 57 students took part in the mock OSCE over two years. 54 (95%) opted to take part in the study and provide feedback. Mean confidence level significantly increased from 6.26 pre to 7.76 post mock OSCE (1.41 point (12%) increase, P-value <0.001). Mean anxiety level significantly reduced from 8.70 pre to 7.15 post (1.56 point reduction (12%), p-value <0.001). 100% of students rated the mock OSCE as either ‘Excellent’ (n=50) or ‘Good’ (n=4). 70% of candidates felt that examination stations were the most useful with 37% of candidates specifically mentioning the benefit of using real patients. CONCLUSIONS: OSCEs remain a beneficial tool for learning, revision and assessment. The present study demonstrates that mock OSCEs significantly improve medical student confidence and significantly reduce anxiety related summative examinations.