D. Poenaru et al., RUNNING AN OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET, The American journal of surgery, 173(6), 1997, pp. 538-541
BACKGROUND: A major obstacle in the wide implementation of objective c
linical structured examinations (OSCEs) is their high cost, averaging
$200 to $300 (Canadian dollars, CDN) per candidate and estimated at up
to CDN$900 per candidate if all ''hidden'' administrative costs are i
ncluded. METHODS: A detailed cost analysis of preparing and administer
ing OSCEs at 1 institution was undertaken over 2 years. An 18-station,
6-minute-per-station OSCE was given to a 72-student third-year medica
l class. RESULTS: The total cost of the OSCE was CDN$5,010, or $70 per
student. The key factors in reaching this significantly lower per-stu
dent OSCE cost included: judicious use of standardized patients, use o
f academic faculty for preparing and marking the stations, and decreas
ed secretarial and other administrative costs. CONCLUSIONS: Data sugge
st that OSCEs can be set up with reasonable cost and limited resources
even in smaller institutions. Cost should not be considered a major o
bstacle in implementing this excellent examination type in undergradua
te medical education. (C) 1997 by Excerpta Medica, inc.