Perceptions from a Single Virtual Near-Peer Mock SBA Examination: A Retrospective Pre-Post Study Among Undergraduate...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Assessment in Medical Training
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• Formative mock examinations are crucial for medical students' transition from theory to clinical practice.
• Virtual near-peer formats offer potential for increased accessibility and engagement in medical assessments.
• Limited evidence exists on student perceptions and confidence outcomes in virtual near-peer mock examinations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate student perceptions and confidence outcomes of a virtual near-peer mock single-best-answer (SBA) examination.
• To assess the feasibility and reception of live virtual near-peer mock assessments.
• To determine the impact of virtual mock examinations on student anxiety and preparedness.

Main Methods:

• A single live virtual near-peer mock SBA examination was conducted using an interactive polling platform.
• Senior medical students developed 30 SBA questions aligned with the UK Medical Licensing Assessment content map.
• A post-session questionnaire assessed retrospective pre- and post-confidence, anxiety, preparedness, and platform usability, with data analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank and chi-squared tests.

Main Results:

• 198 students participated, with 82.8% from Cardiff University.
• Median self-reported confidence for final examinations increased significantly (p < 0.001), while anxiety levels remained unchanged (p = 0.054).
• The mock examination was rated moderately beneficial for preparation, with a 90-second question limit deemed appropriate, and 65.7% preferred the live-polling platform.

Conclusions:

• Virtual near-peer mock SBA examinations are feasible, well-received, and enhance student confidence without increasing anxiety.
• These virtual formats serve as valuable and accessible formative tools in undergraduate medical education.
• Results should be interpreted cautiously due to the retrospective pre-post design and concentrated sampling.