[The objective-structured clinical examination (OSCE)]

The objective-structured clinical examination (OSCE) as described by Harden and Gleeson could be evaluated for a specific, limited skill (history and physical examination) on two third-year classes. The candidates were also evaluated on the same skills by conventional techniques in the Departments of Paediatrics, and Obstetrics and Gynaecology during the same examination period. The results were comparable and had significant Spearman rank correlations with the overall mark. The new method is highly acceptable to both students and examiners, and especially noteworthy was the fact that 93% of students experienced this test as a learning situation. They assessed it as an objective and fair evaluation, an opinion shared by most of the participating examiners. It would appear justified to use this test instrument more often, and in other combinations of disciplines and for other skills in subsequent years of the course.