Dataset Information

A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has been used for clinical assessment of a broad range of medical student competencies in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. However, there has been little research into online assessments. We investigated the virtual OSCE (v-OSCE) from the user perspective to better understand its acceptability, usefulness, benefits, challenges and potential improvements.

Methods

At the conclusion of the v-OSCE, all participants (medical students, examiners and simulated patients) were invited to participate in a brief online survey, based on the Technology and Acceptance Model. Freeform qualitative feedback was also obtained to explore participants' experiences and attitudes.

Results

Participants reported the v-OSCE was acceptable, efficient, convenient and easy to use. It was perceived as useful for demonstrating students' interviewing skills and interacting with the simulated patient. Benefits included greater convenience, reduced stress and travel time. Challenges were similar to those experienced in 'real world' telepsychiatry, primarily related to assessment of non-verbal cues and emotional prosody.

Conclusions

Our findings inform recommendations for improving online examinations. These include increased preparation, practice and professionalism, to better simulate the in-person experience. Study credibility was strengthened by the triangulation of qualitative, quantitative and psychometric data.

SUBMITTER: Reay RE

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11318207 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Publications

A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study.

Reay Rebecca E RE Maguire Paul A PA Looi Jeffrey Cl JC

Australasian psychiatry : bulletin of Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 20240513 4

<h4>Objective</h4>The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) has been used for clinical assessment of a broad range of medical student competencies in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. However, there has been little research into online assessments. We investigated the virtual OSCE (v-OSCE) from the user perspective to better understand its acceptability, usefulness, benefits, challenges and potential improvements.<h4>Methods</h4>At the conclusion of the v-OSCE, all participants (medi ...[more]

PMID: 38739630

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Dataset Information

A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study.

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

A level playing field? Evaluation of the virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine: A mixed methods study.

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