OSCE as summative evaluation for neurological examination: Perception of nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: OSCE is a method of practical examination and a tool for evaluation. Instead of patients, topics and materials are used. It serves as a multidimensional practical test of clinical abilities as well as a tool for determining scientific competence Situation in the medical field. Aim of this study to assess the perception of nursing students on OSCE as a Summative method of evaluation regarding neurological examination among students pursuing nursing education at district Sirmour, Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey design was adopted for the study to determine the effectiveness of OSCE in appraisal of clinical skills in Neurological examination among III year B.Sc. Nursing students. A convenience sampling technique was used to select 49 members, after obtaining consent OSCE was conducted with 5 stations to assess the clinical competencies necessary to perform the Neurological Examination and Perception of OSCE was assessed using the 5 point Likert Scale questionnaire.Results: The study result showed that highest percentage of students 42 students (85.7%) has their preference of examination as traditional method and only 7 (14.3%) of students preferred OSCE as a type of evaluation for examination. The overall perception shows that majority of students (55.1%) had negative perception about OSCE and 42.9% had neutral perception towards OSCE method of evaluation. Conclusion: Implementation of OSCE along with traditional method of clinical evaluation may enhance practice and enable the students to provide quality care by following principles and steps of procedure. Quality of learning can be enhanced by stressing more on OSCE method of assessment both as a formative and summative evaluation in nursing curriculum.