Abstract

Background: This topic has been chosen for educational research project, because as per newly introduced competency-based medical education, we have to introduce the new assessment method for practical examination that is objective structured practical examination (OSPE) in our institution. Hence, we will introduce it and we will assess the feasibility of OSPE.

Aims and Objectives: This study aims to know the feasibility of OSPE for blood pressure measurement as an assessment tool in physiology and to obtain students and teachers feedback on OSPE to know its strengths and weaknesses.

Materials and Methods: This is an observational study conducted in the month of February 2020 in the Department of Physiology at Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal. We assessed the 1st year medical students by OSPE for blood pressure measurement by palpatory and auscultatory method. After the OSPE, the perception of students and teachers regarding OSPE was taken in percentage form on 5-point Likert’s scale.

Results: One hundred and sixty-one 1st year medical students participated in the study as the participation was voluntary. We observed the performance of the students for blood pressure measurement by OSPE for palpatory and auscultatory method and feedback for the same was taken from them on 5-point Likert’s scale. The majority of the students and faculty (90–95%) found that OSPE is a better method for practical assessment as compared to traditional practical methods.

Conclusion: We conclude that OSPE for blood pressure measurement is a very useful method of assessment of practical skills in undergraduate training, as it gives feedback to the students and to the teachers and provides integration in teaching and evaluation.

Key words: Objective Structured Practical Examination; Competency-based; Psychomotor; Affective; Communication