title: Web-based objective structured clinical examination with remote standardized patients and Skype: resident experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Using Skype and remote standardized patients (RSPs), investigators sought to evaluate user acceptance of a web-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) among resident physicians.
  
  
  METHODS
  After participating in four web-based clinical encounters addressing pain with RSPs, 59 residents from different training programs, disciplines and geographic locations completed a 52-item questionnaire regarding their experience with Skype and RSPs. Open-ended responses were solicited as well.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The majority of participants (97%) agreed or strongly agreed the web-based format was convenient and a practical learning exercise, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed the format was effective in teaching communication skills. Although 93% agreed or strongly agreed they could communicate easily with RSPs using Skype, 80% preferred traditional face-to-face clinical encounters, and 58% reported technical difficulties during the encounters. Open-ended written responses supported survey results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from this study expose challenges with technology and human factors, but positive experiences support the continued investigation of web-based OSCEs as a synchronous e-learning initiative for teaching and assessing doctor-patient communication. Such educational programs are valuable but unlikely to replace face-to-face encounters with patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This web-based OSCE program provides physician learners with additional opportunity to improve doctor-patient communication.
authors.affiliation: National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. Electronic address: erikla@pcom.edu.
authors.forename: Erik
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Langenau
authors.affiliation: National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, USA. Electronic address: mededdev@earthlink.net.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kachur
authors.affiliation: Continuous Professional Development and Innovations, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, USA. Electronic address: dhorber@nbome.org.
authors.forename: Dot
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Horber
mesh_terms: D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D016544:Patient Simulation; D017064:Process Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: Communication; Formative assessment; Online learning; Remote standardized patients; Synchronous distance learning; Web-based objective structured clinical examination; e-Learning