A sequenced OSCE for licensure: administrative issues, results and myths.
In response to stakeholder demands for a more cost-effective clinical examination, the Medical Council of Canada adopted a sequenced format for the OSCE component of its licensure examination. The sequenced OSCE was administered in 1997 at 14 sites and assessed 1,796 test takers. The 10-station screening test had an alpha = 0.66 (M = 61.3%, SD = 4.7%). The fail rate of 1.7% for Canadian first-time takers was the lowest since 1992. Significant savings were realized despite costs incurred by the new format. The logistical problems that were encountered were largely due to the constraints of administering a multi-site OSCE. Although the sequenced format was cost effective and psychometrically acceptable, the response of many test takers and faculty members was negative. Consequently, it is the logistical and political lessons that may be the most generalizable.
Smee
Sydney M
SM
Medical Council of Canada, P.O. Box 8234, Station T, 2283 St. Laurent Blvd., Ottawa K1G 3H7, Canada.
Dauphinee
W Dale
WD
Blackmore
David E
DE
Rothman
Arthur I
AI
Reznick
Richard K
RK
Des Marchais
Jacques
J
D002170:Canada; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008007:Licensure, Medical / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000191:economics / Q000379:methods