MSW Student Experiences with the OSCE: Advancing Holistic Competence for Emerging Social Workers

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study aims to examine foundation year Master of Social Work (MSW) students’ experiences with the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) using a holistic framework. Study participants included 64 MSW students who completed a 15-minute virtual OSCE with standardized patients and expert observers followed by a five minute debrief. In-depth student narratives about the experience were transcribed and analyzed thematically. Key themes emerged highlighting the value of practicing clinical skills, receiving immediate constructive feedback and honing skills in managing nervousness and developing confidence. Study implications include the critical need for MSW students as developing clinicians to rehearse clinical skills and receive feedback and the benefits of using the OSCE to expand field- and classroom-based learning.

KEYWORDS:

• Social work education
• simulation
• OSCE
• practice skills
• assessment methods

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the students who participated in this study as well as the expert observers and practice professors who supported this work.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).