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Published on: September 4, 2019
Psychometric structure of a comprehensive objective structured clinical examination: a factor analytic approach
Kevin Volkan1, Steven R Simon, Harley Baker
1Program in Psychology, Rm 206, Prof. Building California State University Channel Islands Camarillo, CA 93012, USA. kevin.volkan@csuci.edu
Summary
This study identified two key factors in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs): information gathering and reasoning/dissemination. Understanding these psychometric components can improve clinical performance assessment for medical students.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Psychometrics
- Clinical Skills Assessment
Background:
- The psychometric properties of Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are established, but their underlying latent structures require further characterization.
- Understanding the latent structure of OSCEs is crucial for accurate measurement of clinical performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine a factor analytic model of a comprehensive OSCE.
- To characterize the latent structures within OSCEs.
- To address implications for the measurement of clinical performance using OSCEs.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory maximum likelihood factor analysis was employed.
- A Promax rotation was utilized to derive latent structures.
- The analysis focused on a comprehensive OSCE dataset.
Main Results:
- A two-correlated factor model demonstrated a good fit for the data.
- Factor 1, 'Information Gathering,' encompassed Physical Examination and History-Taking.
- Factor 2, 'Reasoning and Information Dissemination,' included Differential Diagnosis/Clinical Reasoning and Patient Interaction.
- Case Management did not significantly contribute to either factor.
- The identified factors explained 61.6% of the variance in skills variables.
Conclusions:
- Recognizing the distinct psychometric components of OSCEs is essential.
- This understanding can support and enhance the use of OSCEs for measuring medical student clinical competency.
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