Designing and running an online Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) on Zoom: A peer-led example

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic threatened medical teaching and progression secondary to the 'lockdown' measures which limit physical interactions. Consequently, there was a necessity to shift medical teaching and assessment online. Our challenge was to logistically organise and conduct an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) using a virtual, socially distanced approach. Methods We found that Zoom offered the most suitable functionality in mimicking a physical OSCE online and its breakout rooms were used to represent different stations. One organiser manually transferred candidates between stations, allowing for the OSCE to operate punctually. Examiners screen shared to display an automated slideshow with station vignettes, investigation results, and viva questions. Results Participants found the use of Zoom's features to be extremely beneficial with one candidate describing the experience as 'brilliant, very efficient and smooth'. Numerous aspects of the OSCE from decision making, to verbal communication, to medical knowledge were assessed, equivalent to a physical OSCE. Discussion As the transformation of medical education is catalysed by the pandemic, it is important to ensure that peer to peer teaching and assessments are revolutionised with a quality similar to that of physical teaching. We have displayed how this may be achieved in an OSCE setting using Zoom teleconferencing.

Automated summary

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a shift towards online medical teaching and assessment, with tools like Zoom being utilized to simulate an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) setup. Using virtual spaces, students were able to complete assessments with peer-to-peer teaching revolutionized in a quality similar to physical teaching.