Developing performance-based medical school assessment programs in resource-limited environments

Abstract

While the use of performance-based assessments in medical schools is widespread, there are unique issues associated with developing and establishing simulated clinical examinations when resources are limited. The faculty at the National University of Cuyo (NUC) in Mendoza, Argentina, has successfully implemented an OSCE as part of the medical school graduation requirements. This paper provides an overview of the issues faced by NUC faculty in setting up a standardized patient (SP)-based assessment with only limited resources, and contrasts their experiences with those of other groups, including certification and licensure bodies who have implemented similar types of assessments. Despite their novelty and a lack of technological, staffing, and budgetary resources, with adequate planning, an emphasis on faculty involvement, quality case development, local SP recruitment and training activities, educational programs focused on assessment, and flexibility in creating a physical space to conduct the exam, an effective program for assessing the clinical skills of medical students can be realized.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Ana Lía Vargas

ANA LÍA VARGAS is a geneticist and cytogeneticist and chair of the Institute of Genetics at the National University of Cuyo (NUC). She is a member of the NUC OSCE committee, and was a Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) fellow in 2001.

John R. Boulet

JOHN R. BOULET is the Assistant Vice-President for Research and Evaluation at FAIMER. He is responsible for research activities related to the evaluation of clinical skills and international medical education.

Anthony Errichetti

ANTHONY ERRICHETTI is Chief of Virtual Medicine and Director of the Institute For Clinical Competence, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Marta van Zanten

MARTA VAN ZANTEN is a research associate at FAIMER. Her background is in higher education and public health.

María José López

MARÍA JOSÉ LÓPEZ is an educator at the NUC, with a specialization in cognitive psychology and learning. She is coordinator of the OSCE committee and faculty trainer in PBL methodology.

Ana María Reta

ANA MARÍA RETA is chair of the education office at the NUC, and a specialist in clinical competence and assessment tools.