Evaluation of Clinical Competence in Plastic Surgery: an Approach using OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical competence of medical student using Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in plastic surgery field. Development of OSCE with definition of an assessment of subject, choice of clinical stations sampling, identification of components of clinical competence to be evaluated, the level of performance required, development of specification table, editing of OSCE presentation page and assessment of praticability and results exploitation. Fourty-nine students were examined. Seven station stimuli with simulated patient participation were carried out. The mean OSCE score was 79.9+/-6.9. The reliability of the total station was 0.79. There was no significant logistic problem and the examinees showed positive response to the OSCE. Our experience suggests OSCE feasibility for Plastic Surgery during the initial course of education. This method should be considered as a useful tool to assess medical student competence or even in examination for board certification.