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The new MRCOG Objective Structured Clinical Examination--the examiners evaluation
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Guy's, King's and St Thomas's School of Medicine, Guy's and St Thomas's Hospital Trust, London, UK.
Summary
The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists introduced an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for the MRCOG Part II exam. Examiners found the new OSCE format fairer and comparable in standard to the previous exam.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Background:
- Criticism of previous Part II MRCOG examination formats led to the introduction of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
- The OSCE was designed to provide a fairer, more reliable, and reproducible method for candidate assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document examiners' responses to the first MRCOG Part II OSCE.
- To evaluate examiners' assessment of the new OSCE format compared to the previous examination structure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective survey was conducted among 76 examiners involved in the MRCOG Part II OSCE.
- Questionnaires were used to gather data on examiners' prior experience and their comparative assessment of the OSCE format.
- Examiners scored each OSCE station's ability to assess intended clinical skills.
Main Results:
- A 95% response rate was achieved, with 78% of examiners having prior experience.
- Examiners rated the OSCE standard as comparable to the old format (median score 3/5) but perceived it as significantly fairer (median score 4/5).
- Most OSCE stations received high scores (median 4-5) for assessing clinical skills, with 97% of examiners supporting the continuation of the new format.
Conclusions:
- The first MRCOG Part II OSCE was well-received and an organizational success.
- The OSCE format is considered fairer and of comparable standard to previous examinations.
- The OSCE format is suitable for continued use and potential adoption by other specialties.