Objective structured practical examination for formative assessment of post-graduates

Authors

  • Manoj Gopal Madakshira Department of Pathology, AFMC, Pune

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20162947

Keywords:

Formative, OSPE

Abstract

Background: Formative evaluation has been carried out in the graduate training programme of most medical schools. These assessments play an important role in helping a student to become aware about his/her shortcomings and plan a course correction before appearing for the final assessment. Periodic formative assessment also helps the teachers/ mentors in medical education to evaluate the level of interest and appreciation of a subject. Observed structured practical examination as a tool for formative assessment of post-graduate students is an interesting option, which tests the cumulative skills acquired by a student. A study was undertaken to implement OSPE for postgraduate students followed by a feedback questionnaire to assess their perception of this type of evaluation. 

Methods: An OSPE designed as per the various aspects of the post graduate course in pathology was taken by the post graduate trainees. The results of the OSPE and the residents’ opinion on the feedback questionnaire were analysed. The results were compiled on a data sheet and analysed using Microsoft Excel.

Results: The results of the OSPE showed an average to above average performance by the postgraduates. The feedback questionnaire showed a consensus of OSPE based formative assessment to be a better alternative to conventional examination.

Conclusions: The study shows that formative assessment in a post graduate is an essential component of the programme and that OSPE as a tool for such an evaluation is well accepted by the students. Formative assessment by OSPE needs to be incorporated into the medical post graduate programme.

References

Harden RM, Cairncross RG. Assessment of practical skills: the objective structured practical examination (OSPE). Studies in Higher Education. 1980;5:187-96.

Ananthakrishnan N. Objective structured clinical/practical examination (OSCE/OSPE). J Postgrad Med. 1993;39(2):82-4.3.

Feroze M, Jacob AJ. OSPE in pathology. Indian J Pathol Microbiol. 2002;45:53-7.

Manjula A, Shashikala P, Nagaraj P. Student’s Perception on Objective Structured Practical Examination in Pathology. 2013;1:12-4.

Rachel Y. Performance tests. In: Steven M D, Rachel Y, editors. Assessment in Health Professions. New York, Routledge; 2009;170-80.

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Published

2016-12-18

How to Cite

Madakshira, M. G. (2016). Objective structured practical examination for formative assessment of post-graduates. International Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 4(9), 4128–4130. https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20162947

Issue

Section

Original Research Articles