Examiners' perceptions and acceptance of the osca

Objective Structured Clinical Assessment (OSCA) has been used widely as an effective tool for clinical skills assessment. This assessment was developed to standardise the assessment process by simulating the clinical environment. The OSCA aims to achieve objectivity, standardisation, reliability and validity. Ideally the patient, student and examiner variables are all controlled. This descriptive exploratory study used a purpose-designed questionnaire to explore examiner perceptions, evaluation practices and acceptance of the OSCA. OSCA examiners (n=16) reflected a high level of acceptance of the OSCA. However, despite preparation and objective assessment tools, examiners noted that examiner perceptions, student anxiety and communication between examiners and students influenced objectivity. Examiners’ personal values and clinical practices impact on their decision-making processes. In conclusion, while the OSCA remains accepted as a laudable means of objectively assessing clinical competence, subjective aspects remain.