Create an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) station?

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Last updated: April 29, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

To create an effective OSCE station for emergency ultrasound, focus on assessing the resident's ability to perform and interpret focused emergency ultrasound examinations, as recommended by the emergency ultrasound guidelines 1. When designing the OSCE station, consider the following key elements:

  • Identify a specific clinical skill or competency to assess, such as performing a focused ultrasound examination for cardiac tamponade or pneumothorax
  • Choose a scenario that can be completed in 5-10 minutes, allowing for a thorough assessment of the resident's skills
  • Develop clear instructions for both the candidate and the standardized patient (or simulator), including the presenting complaint, relevant history, and physical findings
  • Create a structured marking scheme with explicit criteria that evaluates both technical skills, such as proper machine settings and probe positioning, and communication abilities, such as identifying landmarks and documenting findings
  • Include global rating scales for professionalism and communication skills, as recommended by the emergency ultrasound guidelines 1
  • Prepare all necessary props, equipment, and documentation, including any laboratory results or imaging that candidates might need to interpret
  • Pilot test the station with colleagues to ensure the timing is appropriate and the assessment is fair and reliable By following these guidelines, the OSCE station can provide an objective assessment of the resident's clinical competencies in emergency ultrasound, closely mirroring real clinical encounters, and ensuring that they have the necessary skills to integrate ultrasound into their daily clinical practice after residency training is completed, as outlined in the emergency ultrasound guidelines 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

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From the Research

Creating an OSCE Station

To create an OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) station, several key aspects must be considered:

  • The OSCE should be designed to assess clinical performance in a uniform, standardized, reliable, and objective way 2, 3.
  • The examination is typically carried out in different clinical stations that simulate real clinical situations and scenarios 3.
  • The OSCE can be used in both undergraduate and postgraduate clinical education to improve the validity and reliability of assessment of performance 2.

Key Components of an OSCE Station

The following components are essential when creating an OSCE station:

  • Standardized patients: Trained individuals who simulate real patients to assess the learner's clinical skills 2, 4.
  • Scoring rubrics: Checklists of responses or behaviors used to evaluate the learner's performance 2.
  • Quality assurance processes: Mechanisms to ensure the consistency and accuracy of the assessment 2.
  • Virtual or online platforms: Can be used to create bidimensional or three-dimensional OSCE stations, which can be cost-effective and engaging for students 3.

Implementing an OSCE Station

When implementing an OSCE station, consider the following:

  • Developing OSCE stations: Requires careful planning and design to ensure that the stations are relevant, realistic, and effective in assessing clinical skills 2.
  • Training examiners and standardized patients: Essential to ensure that the assessment is consistent and accurate 2.
  • Managing quality assurance processes: Crucial to maintain the validity and reliability of the assessment 2.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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