[Practical examinations for neurology. The Tuebingen model]

Practically orientated examinations represent an important innovation in medical education. In the subject area of neurology, the "Objective Structured Clinical Examination" (OSCE) proved to be a viable form of examination for the subject of neurological anamnesis and a medical examination course at the University of Tuebingen in Germany. A total of 577 students in their sixth semester of study were examined in, to date, four OSCEs and achieved an average of 17.5 of possible 25 points in the subject of neurology. Improvement in point average was observable over the course of time, while the average performance of students across the total OSCE remained constant. Student evaluations regarding form and content of the neurological examinations yielded an average grade of B (in the German system 2.1). Simulation patients were rated with an average grade of A- (German system 1.7). Examination methods are presented together with experience concerning preparation, implementation, and developmental enhancement of neurological OSCE examinations. Implications of this novel form of examination for faculty development and regulating students' learning and study behaviour are discussed.