Evaluating podcasts as a tool for OSCE training: a randomized trial using generative AI-powered simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Clinical Skills Assessment

Background:

• Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) are vital for assessing medical students' clinical competencies.
• Traditional teaching methods are common, but innovative supplementary tools are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an OSCE preparation podcast in improving medical students' OSCE performance.
• To assess the podcast's impact on confidence and interest in nephrology.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial with 50 fourth-year medical students.
• Intervention group received an OSCE preparation podcast; control group did not.
• Nephrology-specific OSCE stations were completed on a generative AI virtual patient platform (DocSimulator).

Main Results:

• The podcast group showed significantly higher post-intervention OSCE scores and greater score improvement compared to the control group.
• Confidence in nephrology-related clinical skills significantly increased in the podcast group.
• The podcast was found useful by 68% of users, with 96% willing to use it again.

Conclusions:

• An OSCE preparation podcast significantly improved performance in AI-based simulations and confidence in nephrology competencies.
• Podcasts offer a flexible, accessible, and valuable supplementary tool for medical education, supporting diverse learning styles.