Self-assessment and learning through GOSCE (group objective structured clinical examination)

The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) was modified to serve as a means of self-assessment and learning, rather than as an examination. The main modifications were to adapt it for use by small groups instead of individuals, and to provide a correct answer or other feedback at each station. The resulting group OSCE (GOSCE) was used as an introductory session in two residential refresher courses for general practitioners. The 300 participants rated it highly as a method of self-assessment and as an enjoyable social event. Four potential applications of the GOSCE are suggested: as an assessment instrument for formative and informal summative assessment, as a resource for learning about interpersonal and interprofessional relationships, and as a framework for problem-based short courses.