Perception of medical students on structured viva examination in an integrated undergraduate curriculum at Ziauddin University

ABSTRACT

Exponential growth of knowledge in the biomedical field has forced the medical educators for a change from traditional to integrated curriculum and conventional assessment techniques to newer structured techniques. Survey of medical students' views about the Structured Viva Examination [SVE] in an integrated curriculum. Feedback forms of Structured Viva Examination [SVE] were given to 144 students of first and second year MBBS [2008], after they completed their professional examination. SVE feedback form was categorized in the domains of agree, disagree and neutral with five different statements. Out of 144 students 140 responded. One hundred and thirteen out of hundred and forty [80.71%] students agreed that the language of the cases was simple and easy to understand. One hundred and ten [78.57%] stated that the reading time of cases was adequate. One hundred and seven [76.42%] agreed that the time was adequately spaced between SVE stations. Hundred and one [72.14%] agreed that the examination was relevant with course content, while one hundred and two [72.85%] agreed that PEL in modules helped in interpreting such cases in their annual examinations. Educators need to explore newer assessment methods for better understanding of the health sciences with relevance to common disease