Qualitative content analysis experiences with objective structured clinical examination among Korean nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Clinical Skills Assessment

Background:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a critical tool for evaluating nursing students' clinical skills.
• Assessing competency in neurological examination, specifically cranial nerves, is essential for safe patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore Korean nursing students' experiences with an OSCE focused on the 12 cranial nerves.
• To understand student perceptions of their capabilities and challenges during the OSCE.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative content analysis of anonymous written feedback from 64 fourth-year nursing students.
• OSCE involved three stations over 2 days, preceded by lectures, demonstrations, and videos on cranial nerve assessment.

Main Results:

• Two main themes emerged: 'awareness of inner capabilities' (motivation, confidence, creativity) and 'barriers to nursing performance' (knowledge, communication, attitude, practice deficiencies).
• Students recognized both their potential and limitations in nursing competency.

Conclusions:

• The OSCE provided insights into nursing students' holistic competency, revealing both strengths and areas needing development.
• This assessment method can foster a comprehensive understanding of nursing care, contrary to concerns about undermining holism.