OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) in pathology  the way ahead

Dr NAVEEN KUMAR.B.J

Volume : V, Issue : XI, November - 2015

OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) in pathology the way ahead

Dr Naveen Kumar. B. J

Abstract :

Evaluation of medical students needs to be uniform, valid and reliable during practical examination. OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) is an instrument adapted to achieve this. At present there are no proper guidelines for usage of OSPE in summative assessment. The study is carried out in Dept. of Pathology, Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Medical College and Hospital, Perambalur, Tamilnadu. 102 students of II MBBS attended the test on blood grouping. Students were assessed by both conventional and OSPE methods simultaneously. The results showed significantly better scoring in OSPE pattern. The mean of marks obtained in conventional method was 2.2 (for a total of 5 marks) while it was 3.9 in OSPE method. P value is < 0.05 by paired t–test. It is optimal to restrict OSPE to 25– 50% of total marks or exercises in practical examination. OSPE should not replace the existing system totally but should complement it.