The use of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for detecting and correcting teaching-learning errors in physical examination

The innovative use of Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to detect and correct teaching-learning (T-L) errors in clinical skills is described. The group performance errors could be classified as Type I (faulty performance or omission of a step), Type II (failure to recognize or correctly interpret a clinical sign) or combined (Type I & II) errors. Type I errors were due to ineffective or absent T-L experiences. Type II errors were due to poor concept attainment or inability to discriminate between the differences in a clinical sign. Clinical demonstration during feedback was effective in eliminating Type I errors. Correcting Type II errors of the group needed more time and effort and was only partially effective.