title: An objective structured clinical examination to assess problem-based learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare pharmacy students' performance on an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to their performance on a written examination for the assessment of problem-based learning (PBL); and to determine students' and faculty members' perceptions of OSCEs for PBL evaluations.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four OSCEs were added to the written examination to assess 4 PBL cases in a third-year pharmacotherapy course. OSCE scores were compared to written examination scores. Faculty members evaluated student performance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  OSCE performance did not correlate with the written-examination scores. Most students (≥ 75%) agreed that OSCEs reflected their learning from PBL and measured knowledge, communication, and clinical skills. A majority of faculty members (≥75%) agreed that OSCEs should be part of PBL assessment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Addition of an OSCE to written examinations was valued and provided a more comprehensive assessment of the PBL experience.
authors.affiliation: Wayne State University, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Detroit, MI 48201-2427, USA. fsalinitri@wayne.edu
authors.forename: Francine D
authors.initials: FD
authors.lastname: Salinitri
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: O'Connell
authors.forename: Candice L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Garwood
authors.forename: Victoria Tutag
authors.initials: VT
authors.lastname: Lehr
authors.forename: Karina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abdallah
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D057189:Checklist; D002983:Clinical Competence; D003142:Communication; D004512:Education, Pharmacy / Q000379:methods*; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005178:Faculty; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008824:Michigan; D010465:Perception; D018794:Problem-Based Learning; D012580:Schools, Pharmacy; D013339:Students, Pharmacy / Q000523:psychology; D014956:Writing