Evaluating practical competence across assessment types

Many institutions and medical schools run practical  assessments called Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) as a fair and accurate way to assess competence. However, there are plenty of organisations that run other formats of practical assessments – whether they be multiple mini interviews, Objective Structured Practical Exams (OSPEs), Integrated Structured Clinical Exams (ISCEs), oral examinations or viva voce exams as a means to fairly and accurately assess competence in a specific area.

There is little doubt that setting up and running these types of exams are logistically and financially challenging. However, the benefits of assessing future medical professionals in this way clearly outweighs the challenges. With the use of robust, reliable assessment software – such as the eSystem – behind you, it is entirely possible to streamline your operations and reduce costs.

eSystem software is a flexible assessment tool that enables you to run your practical assessment of choice – oral examinations, viva voce assessments as well as OSCEs, ISCEs and OSPEs. Whilst each exam style has its differences, the underlying concept of objectively marking a candidate’s performance against a series of competence markers, as well as allocating a subjective pass/fail mark remains true irrespective of exam style. We have many customers who happily use our OSCE module for all kinds of competence assessments – for example, customers who run a series of mini interviews to assess a candidate’s response to clinical situations, where an actual clinical presentation or simulation isn’t possible. Or those running complex multiple stations, circuits, sessions, patient type OSCEs for large volume, high stakes assessments.

Another application for the eSystem OSCE module, is when it is used as part of the admissions process for medical students being accepted onto a course. The software can be used to run a series of short, carefully timed interview stations to assess an applicant’s ability to think on their feet, critically review information, and communicate ideas. Some medical schools have adopted this as part of their admissions process as an evaluation that uses multiple scenarios is considered to provide a more sound psychometric approach as well as giving individuals with a more diverse background a more equitable opportunity.

And as we look to the future, with the increased adoption of clinical simulation labs and the use of virtual reality in medical education, there is potential for eSystem software to sit alongside those tools as a means to record competence as required.

Get in touch today to discuss how the eSystem works to fairly and accurately assess practical competence.