An oral practical examination in emergency clinical surgery

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Surgical Training
• Clinical Assessment

Background:

• The oral practical examination in clinical surgery has been used for over 12 years.
• Its objective is to assess problem-solving abilities and professional attitudes in emergency surgery.
• The examination format involves verbal emergency simulations with pathological specimens, instruments, and X-rays.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student satisfaction with the existing oral practical examination in clinical surgery.
• To identify reasons for student dissatisfaction.
• To gather student opinions on potential changes to the examination format.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was distributed to 196 students undergoing the oral practical examination.
• 194 students (99% response rate) returned the completed questionnaires.
• Data collected included overall satisfaction, reasons for dissatisfaction, and suggestions for format changes.

Main Results:

• 127 students (65%) were satisfied with their performance, while 67 (35%) were dissatisfied.
• Key reasons for dissatisfaction included complex simulation questions (23%) and examiner-related anxiety (12%).
• 58% of students felt no change was needed, while 24% suggested increased standardization.

Conclusions:

• The oral practical examination in emergency clinical surgery is a crucial component of the surgical curriculum.
• While generally satisfactory, addressing student concerns about question complexity and examiner interaction is important.
• Standardizing the examination format may enhance its utility as an assessment tool.