OSCE - praktische Tipps zur Implementierung einer klinisch-praktischen Prüfung OSCE - hands on instructions for the implementation of an objective structured clinical examination

Introduction:Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) have proved to be a reliable and valid assessment tool for basic clinical skills. In regards to the more and more practical education of medical students there is an increasing need for the implementation of OSCEs. To facilitate this implementation we would like to give a review of literature and to present our 12 station OSCE at the Medical Hospital of the University of Heidelberg. Methods: During winter term 2004 / 2005 143 medical students in thir 3rd year of training participated the OSCE. For the conception of the assessment a blueprint was used. Standard setting was carried out with a modified Angoff method, students performance was assessed by experts using self-developed checklists. Results: The OSCE at the Medical Hospital of the University of Heidelberg showed a reliability of 0,748. According to the results of the standard setting procedure 142 students (99,3%) passed the exam. Taking the OSCE on the first, second or third day of assessment did not have impact on students' performance. Discussion: The OSCE at the Medical Hospital of the University of Heidelberg proves to be a reliable and fair assessment tool. Even the OSCE represents an assessment tool that needs resources and time it is well accepted in students and raters if it is planned and organised carefully.