Application of objective structured clinical examination in community health nursing course: experience of staff members and students

ABSTRACT

Objective Structured Clinical Examination [OSCE] is the most valid and reliable tool for evaluation of performance competency. There are different formats of OSCE to assess the cognitive and psychomotor skills as well as the knowledge recall and communication skills in an objective and consistent manner. It is important to involve students and examiners in changing or innovating of evaluation pattern. The present study aimed to investigate the perception and experience of staff members and students toward introducing OSCE as a new approach of assessment in community health nursing course. In addition to compare the applicability of using three different structured methods of simulated patient [Lay person with staff members, Staff members play double roles and two staff members], in order to find out the most appropriate simulated patient method. The study is a mix of quantitative and qualitative design. It was carried out at the fourth year community health-nursing students, totaling 160 students. All examiners [n= 16] and only 60 students participated at the focus group sessions. Results revealed that most of students and examiners were satisfied with the objectivity of OSCE and the variety of questions that increase the chance of gaining marks. The students' level of performance ranged from good to excellent in all stations for most of students. The study recommends introducing OSCE into the curriculum of community health nursing course and holding comprehensive training for staff members on being a simulated patient and examiner at the same time