Twelve tips for introducing simulation based assessment in the objective structured clinical examination

Abstract

The use of simulation as a tool for assessment in medical examinations is expanding. We describe 12 practical tips for the implementation of simulation based critical evaluation for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). The material in this article is a combination of personal experience and the available literature. Three themes are discussed encompassing simulation theory for the OSCE, practical features of simulation for the clinical examination and contingency planning. As clinical assessment evolves, the utility for simulation-based practice will advance alongside. An improved understanding of the processes for incorporating simulation into the OSCE will be of benefit to both the medical educator and the student.

Keywords:

• Objective structured clinical examination
• simulation
• medical examinations

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Craig Brown

Craig Brown, MBChB, BScMedSci (Hons), PGDipMedEd, FHEA is a Consultant in Emergency Medicine at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Deputy Lead of the Year 5 MBChB programme at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.

Jeremy Morse

Jerry Morse, ProfD, MAcadME, LLM is Lead for Simulation at the Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences and Manager of the Clinical Skills Centre, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.

David Nesvadba

David Nesvadba, BSc (Hons), MBChB, FRCA is a Consultant Anaesthetist at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and previous Fellow in Medical Education at the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.

Ashley Meldrum

Ashley Meldrum, RGN, BA, MSc (Clin Ed) is a Clinical Facilitator at the University of Aberdeen with teaching and organisational responsibility for students undergoing the MBChB and Physician Associate programmes.