Psychometric structure of a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination: a factor analytic approach.
OBJECTIVE
While the psychometric properties of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) have been studied, their latent structures have not been well characterized. This study examines a factor analytic model of a comprehensive OSCE and addresses implications for measurement of clinical performance.


METHODS
An exploratory maximum likelihood factor analysis with a Promax rotation was used to derive latent structures for the OSCE.


RESULTS
A model with two correlated factors fit the data well. The first factor was related to Physical Examination and History-Taking was labeled as information gathering, while the second factor was related to Differential Diagnosis/Clinical Reasoning, and Patient Interaction and was labeled as reasoning and information dissemination. Case Management did not contribute to either factor. The factors accounted for a total 61.6% of the variance in the skills variables.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognizing the psychometric components of OSCEs may support and enhance the use of OSCEs for measuring clinical competency of medical students.
Volkan
Kevin
K
Program in Psychology, Rm 206, Prof. Building California State University Channel Islands Camarillo, CA 93012, USA. kevin.volkan@csuci.edu
Simon
Steven R
SR
Baker
Harley
H
Todres
I David
ID
D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000592:standards*; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000592:standards*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics