An objective structured clinical examination for evaluating psychiatric clinical clerks

Abstract

Preliminary evidence suggests that a psychiatry OSCE is feasible for assessing complex psychiatric skills. However, careful attention must be paid to SP training, examination monitoring, detection of critical incidents, and provision of feedback to students, faculty, and SPs. The university's previous system of oral examinations required approximately 600 faculty hours per year. The OSCE requires approximately 450 faculty hours, and the 150 hours saved almost cover the Can$20,000 that the examination costs each year. In all, the OSCE is an evaluation system that has demonstrable reliability and is more enjoyable for both the faculty and the students.