Lessons learned pivoting to a virtual OSCE: Pharmacy faculty and student perspectives

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy education
• Clinical skills assessment
• Medical simulation

Background:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are standard assessments in pharmacy programs.
• Limited data exists on virtual OSCEs and skills assessments.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid shift to virtual OSCEs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the virtual redesign of a Capstone OSCE for third-year pharmacy students.
• To outline the process of adapting in-person OSCEs to a virtual environment.

Main Methods:

• Assessed planned OSCE components and core competencies for virtual delivery.
• Involved students, testing services, and faculty in the planning process.
• Modified OSCE delivery, grading, and remediation procedures.

Main Results:

• Successfully merged virtual education with skills-based assessments.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in response to the pandemic.
• Identified key considerations for virtual and hybrid skills assessments.

Conclusions:

• The virtual Capstone OSCE provided a necessary solution during a period of disruption.
• Lessons learned offer valuable insights for future virtual or hybrid skills assessment planning.
• Further evaluation is recommended to assess the long-term impact of virtual OSCEs.