Observations on the relationship between the dietetic objective structured clinical examination and placement outcome

Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) are used extensively in medical education to prepare students for the clinical setting. Their use in dietetic education is still relatively new, and relationships to placement outcomes are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore 11 years of OSCE and placement data to answer the following questions: Does the OSCE predict dietetic placement outcome? and, What are the student perceptions of the benefits of OSCE in preparation for practice?

Data were collected retrospectively from 328 students between 2006 and 2017 who had completed their final year OSCE and placement. Aggregate OSCE marks and mean marks obtained in active and passive OSCE stations were compared with placement outcome. Evaluation questionnaires completed by students at the end of the OSCE were collated.

Aggregate marks achieved in OSCE stations were significantly different for students who passed (mean = 63.24, SD = 7.94), struggled (mean = 58.25, SD = 8.82) or failed (mean = 57.31, SD = 8.28) placement, P < 0.001. Majority of students perceived the OSCE as a meaningful and fair assessment (92%) that helped to prepare them for practice (82%).

The OSCE provides a meaningful assessment of dietetic student skills in preparation for practice. Aggregate OSCE marks provide a consistent indicator of students who are likely to struggle in practice.