Conducting online OSCEs aided by a novel time management web-based system

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Digital Health Assessment

Background:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are crucial for medical student assessment.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote OSCE implementation, posing challenges in managing student and examiner movement between stations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a dynamic website for managing remote OSCEs.
• To address synchronization issues in online OSCE station rotations.

Main Methods:

• A secure, dynamic OSCE time management website was developed.
• The website allows participants to view station access and timings.
• Administrators can remotely control entry times and monitor exam progress.

Main Results:

• The system was successfully used for multiple remote OSCEs.
• Demonstrated feasibility, cost-effectiveness, user acceptance, and satisfaction.
• Students remained in virtual rooms while examiners, simulated patients, and proctors rotated.

Conclusions:

• Online OSCE implementation is feasible, cost-effective, and accepted by users.
• Student outcomes in online OSCEs are comparable to traditional in-person exams.
• Assessing physical examination skills online remains a challenge, though verbal descriptions offer a partial solution.