A pilot test of WebOSCE: a system for assessing trainees' clinical skills via teleconference

Abstract

WebOSCE is a computer-based system that allows a student at an affiliate site to participate in a 10-station standardized patient-based exam using a videoconference interface, while nine other students take the exam on-site. We pilot-tested this system during a required year-end objective structured clinical exam. We compared performance data between the 26 distance students taking the exam via WebOSCE with 221 on-site students. We also compared both student groups' responses on a post-exam questionnaire, and conducted a post-exam structured interview to elicit the Pittsburgh students' perspectives on the WebOSCE experience. Students taking the exam via WebOSCE scored significantly lower in most categories except for physical exam and information-giving skills, on which the groups did not differ. There were no differences between groups in students' overall evaluation of the exam experiences. In general, Pittsburgh students rated WebOSCE highly and offered many helpful comments to improve the technology and the experience.