Abstract
ObjectiveTo assess reliability and validity of the objectively structured clinical examination (OSCE) applied in postgraduate certification processes by the Mexican Board of Rheumatology. MethodThirty-two (2013) and 38 (2014) Rheumatology trainees (RTs) underwent an OSCE consisting of 12 and 15 stations respectively, scored according to a validated check-list, as well as 300 multiple-choice question examination (MCQ). Previously, 3 certified rheumatologists underwent a pilot-OSCE. A composite OSCE score was obtained for each participant and its performance was examined. ResultsIn 2013, OSCE mean score was 7.1±0.6 with none of the RTs receiving a failing score while the MCQ score was 6.5±0.6 and 7 (21.9%) RTs received a failing (<6) score. In 2014, the OSCE score was 6.7±0.6, with 3 (7.9%) RTs receiving a failing score (2 of them also failed MCQ) while the MCQ score was 6.4±0.5 and 7 (18.5%) RTs were disqualified (2 of them also failed OSCE). A significant correlation between the MCQ and the OSCE scores was observed in 2013 (r=0.44; P=.006). Certified rheumatologists performed better than RTs at both OSCE.Overall, 86% of RTs obtaining an OSCE passing score also obtained a MCQ passing score, while this was only 67% (P=.02) among those who obtained an OSCE failing score.Nine stations were applied at both consecutive years. Their performance was similar in both certification processes, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.81 to 0.95 (P≤.01). ConclusionThe OSCE is a valid and reliable tool to assess the Rheumatology clinical skills in RTs.
Published Version
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