Performance of medical students compared with practicing doctors in an OSCE examination

Abstract for poster presentation AMEE September 2008 Performance of medical students compared with practicing doctors in an OSCE examination Background: The GMC Fitness to Practise Test of Competence for poorly performing doctors consists of an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) and a knowledge test. The OSCE aims to test doctors in a range of skills. Results are interpreted by comparison of doctor’s score with doctors at all stages of training. To enhance this data, we have collected information about the performance of medical students. Summary of work: We invited senior University College London (UCL) medical students to participate in assessment pilot days that fully registered doctors had volunteered to attend. These days assessed either Obstetrics & Gynaecology or Emergency Medicine. OSCE assessors were blinded as to the candidate’s grade. The mark sheets used a generic scoring system of Acceptable, Cause for Concern or Unacceptable (A, C or U). We have analysed the marks received in different areas. Summary of results: Medical students scored as well as doctors in areas representing professionalism and communication but scored lower in cognitive and psychomotor areas. Conclusions and take home message: Medical students can perform in a comparable way to practicing doctors in certain areas of an OSCE examination, particularly professionalism.