An Objective Structured Clinical Examination to Improve Formative Assessment for Senior Pediatrics Residents

Residency programs are developing new methods to assess resident competence and to improve the quality of formative assessment and feedback to trainees. Simulation is a valuable tool for giving formative feedback to residents.

To develop an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to improve formative assessment of senior pediatrics residents.

We developed a multistation examination using various simulation formats to assess the skills of senior pediatrics residents in communication and acute resuscitation. We measured several logistical factors (staffing and program costs) to determine the feasibility of such a program.

Thirty-one residents participated in the assessment program over a 3-month period. Residents received formative feedback comparing their performance to both a standard task checklist and to peers' performance. The program required 16 faculty members per session, and had a cost of $624 per resident.

A concentrated assessment program using simulation can be a valuable tool to assess residents' skills in communication and acute resuscitation and provide directed formative feedback. However, such a program requires considerable financial and staffing resources.