Evaluating an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Adapted for Social Work

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) Adapted for Social Work in a lab course and examine the degree to which it predicts competence in the practicum. Methods: 125 Masters students participated in a one-scenario OSCE and wrote responses to standardized reflection questions. OSCE performance and reflections were rated on previously standardized scales, competence in field was evaluated using the Online Practice-Based Evaluation. Results: A wide range of scores on OSCE scales indicate that differences in student competencies were captured. Correlational analyses revealed an association between OSCE scales and field final evaluations. Nevertheless, a number of students who performed poorly on the OSCE did well in the practicum. Conclusions: The OSCE method of evaluation warrants cautious optimism and requires further replication and adaptation for social work educational outcomes assessment.

Trends in higher education in Canada and implications for social work education

“…The first level contains procedural competencies which are observable behavioural skills and include the ability to conduct an assessment. The second has been referred to as metacompetencies, which are overarching qualities and abilities of a conceptual, interpersonal and personal/professional nature (Bogo et al, 2006). The authors conclude that the link between the cognitive processes involved in conceptualizing practice and the performance aspect of choosing and enacting skillful behaviour was clearly evident.…”

OSCE para Competências de Comunicação Clínica e Profissionalismo: Relato de Experiência e Meta-Avaliação

“…Assim sendo, pelo indicativo dos estudantes, o OSCE apresentou as características necessárias à garantia da efetividade de uma metodologia de ensino e aprendizagem 9,12,13 .…”

“…Em função da necessidade e da dificuldade de analisar algumas competências, foi desenvolvido o exame clínico objetivo estruturado (Objective Structured Clinical Examination -OSCE), que foi projetado para educação médica e padronizado para ter maior confiabilidade 9,12,13 .…”

“…Entre as competências essenciais na prática clíni-ca, temos a comunicação clínica e o profissionalismo, para os quais o OSCE tem sido um método utlizado com certa frequência e com bons resultados em alguns estudos [17][18][19][20] . Entre suas aplicações, tem a capacidade de avaliar a anamnese, o exame físico e a interpretação de resultados clínicos, com destaque para a comunicação efetiva 9,13 . Além disso, permite avaliar atitudes e comportamentos frente a situações que envolvam dilemas éticos.…”

Prepared enough to practise? Evaluating a study programme in social work

“…Nonetheless, the literature review reveals that few attempts have been made to evaluate the knowledge and skills of newly qualified practitioners in the domain of social work (Bates et al, 2010;Bogo et al, 2012;Gambrill, 2011;Orme et al, 2009;Pithouse & Scourfield, 2002). The present study makes a contribution towards such an effort by assessing practitioners who have qualified under a new system in Luxembourg that adheres to the so-called Bologna reform, which made imperative the overhaul of social work curricula on the European continent.…”