PERCEPTION OF POSTGRADUATE FAMILY MEDICINE TRAINEES ABOUT THE OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION (OSCE) ASSESSMENT METHOD

Abstract Background: Assessment drives learning and improving the quality of assessment has a remarkable impact on the quality of learning. Objective Structured Clinical Examination is termed more reliable and valid as compared to conventional practical examination. Objective: The objective of this study was to find the perception of postgraduate family medicine trainees about the OSCE assessment method and compare those having previous experience with those having no previous experience. Methodology: This was a cross-section study conducted at the end of exit examination of diploma in family medicine at the Family Medicine Department, Khyber Medical University Peshawar. Data were collected on an eleven items questionnaire on a five-point Likert Scale. Study participants were categorized based on their previous experience of the OSCE, and were grouped into two categories. Data were analyzed by using Fisher’s Exact test and a p-value of ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 56 out of 60 candidates returned completed questionnaires. The response rate was 93.33% where the majority were males 52(92.9%). Participants with experience of the OSCE were 22 (39.3%) while 34 (60.7%) were having no experience of the assessment method. There was a significant difference (p= 0.001) in the perception about the OSCE with the simulated patient than real patient, fairness and reliability of the OSCE, stress and length of the OSCE and reduction of bias in the OSCE. The perception about weightage to be given to the OSCE in any examination was significantly different (p=0.004) between the two groups. Conclusion: Participants of both groups (experienced vs non-experienced) agreed on some aspects of the OSCE. Their opinion differed about the fairness, validity and stress related to the OSCE assessment method. This difference is probably explained by the inadequacy of an experience to form an opinion. Keywords: Conventional practical examination, Family medicine, OSCE.