Perception of Undergraduate Physiotherapy Students toward Objectively Structured Practical Examination Checklist as a Tool for Assessment and Learning Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques Skill: A Cross-sectional Descriptive Study

Abstract

Context: Demonstration of any psychomotor skill is a very important part of physiotherapy education as it deals with the utilization of that particular skill in patients. Hence, efforts should be taken to make students understand all the necessary steps practically and assess their performance. Furthermore, techniques to reduce stress levels of students should be incorporated to reduce examination-related stress. Aim: The study aims to determine the perception of undergraduate physiotherapy students and faculty members regarding the Objectively Structured Practical Examination (OSPE) checklist used for assessing Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT) skills as a tool to improve learning and skill performance. Settings and Design: The study was a cross-sectional descriptive design with purposive sampling conducted in a Physiotherapy college in Maharashtra. Subjects and Methods: 160 undergraduate physiotherapy students and 6 faculty members participated in the study. Theoretical and practical sessions of ACBT were conducted by the subject teacher for undergraduate physiotherapy students and assessment was done in the form of a traditional practical examination first. After that students and examiners were sensitized about the nature of the OSPE checklist and an assessment was carried out along with the scoring. After the activity, feedback was noted and analysed. Results: 98.75% of students rated the questionnaire as being accessible and understandable, 96.25% reported improvement in confidence to perform the skill, 85% of students denoted positive responses regarding reducing the stress of performance of the practical skill. Conclusion: The study concludes that the use of a checklist for ACBT skill assessment can facilitate a favourable learning and teaching environment. It is useful to perform the skill precisely, improving confidence and clarity to perform the skill.