RUNNING AN OBJECTIVE STRUCTURED CLINICAL EXAMINATION ON A SHOESTRING BUDGET

Citation
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
Citations number
12
Categorie Soggetti
Surgery
ISSN journal
00029610
Volume
173
Issue
6
Year of publication
1997
Pages
538 - 541
Database
ISI
SICI code
0002-9610(1997)173:6<538:RAOSCE>2.0.ZU;2-F
Abstract
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.