OSCEs in Distance Education: Bringing live simulations to the web-based learner

The objective of this presentation is to describe the implementation of Objective Standardized Competency Examination (OSCE) within a web-based pediatric course. OSCEs are well recognized learning strategies for nurse practitioner students. They have been used to practice and refine interviewing skills, role play high stake clinical scenarios, and evaluate clinical competency. Thus far OSCEs, using trained actors and actresses, have been limited to students enrolled in traditional university settings for logistic reasons. A demonstration project in the spring of 2010 was undertaken to incorporate a phone OSCE, using a trained standardized patient (SP), into the web-based pediatric course at the School. From the initial group of nine students the process was further refined to accommodate the phone experience. Face to face OSCEs have different issues than those completed by phone and many of the phone nuances had not been fully anticipated. Since the initial demonstration project, over 70 students have completed a pediatric phone OSCE. Student evaluations have been overwhelmingly positive. They find feedback from the SP helpful and reassuring that what they have been taught can be put into “practice.” Most students would like the opportunity to complete another OSCE and would recommend this type of assignment be woven throughout the program.