Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Objective Structured Clinical Examination is one of several methods of assessing the clinical
competence of medical students. Though popular in most medical schools globally, its use in Ethiopian medical
schools appears limited. The department of Pediatrics in Jimma University is the only clinical program with a
relatively long (9 years) experience with this assessment format. The major objective of the study was to evaluate
students’ perception about the validity, comprehensiveness and acceptability of the test.
METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of three successive batches of medical students, who had been examined with
Objective Structured Clinical Examination, was conducted and data related to the general conduct, validity,
objectivity and comprehensiveness of the test in pediatrics was collected using a structured self-administered
questionnaire. Data were entered and analyzed using EpiData version 3.1. The study was conducted in March 2007.
RESULTS: Of 144 eligible medical students, 122 completed the questionnaire representing close to 85.0% of all the
students in the 3 batches. Eighty-seven (71.3%) of the respondents reported that clear and adequate instructions
were given at each station and 74(60.7%) perceived that the test created a good learning opportunity highlighting
their areas of weakness. Moreover, 66(54.1%) also agreed that the exam covered common and relevant topics
consistent with stated teaching objectives 71(58.2%). However, a considerable number of them, 53(43.4%),
expressed their experience that examiners at manned stations were intimidating and individual feedback was
offered only to a minority, 31(25.4%). Sixty-seven (54.9%) respondents expressed their opinion that the test was fair
in assessing knowledge and skills and 87(71.3%) further stated that personality, gender and other attributes of
candidates do not affect test scores.
CONCLUSION: Overall, students’ evaluation of Objective Structured Clinical Examination was remarkably
encouraging. Nevertheless, the added advantages of the evaluation of medical students can be maximized only if
standard procedures are followed in its preparation and timely feedback are offered on the performance of
candidates. To this end, we recommend that continuing appraisal and refinement of Objective Structured Clinical
Examination be done by the department
