The difference between OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and OSPE (Objective Structured Practical Examination) lies in several aspects:
Definition
What does OSCE mean:
OSCE stands for Objective Structured Clinical Examination. It is an assessment tool used to test students' clinical skills, such as history taking and physical examination.
What does OSPE mean:
OSPE stands for Objective Structured Practical Examination. It is an assessment tool that aims to assess students’ skills in a relevant and objective manner. Student performance is directly monitored during scheduled testing stations4.
Evaluation method
- OSCE : It is based on multiple stations where students rotate between them and are evaluated by observers. In each station, the student is tested practically on the subject of the same station, for example, taking a medical history from the patient, clinical examination of the patient, giving injections, measuring blood pressure, etc.
- OSPE : It includes direct monitoring of the student’s performance during the pre-determined test stations. These stations are in the form of slides displayed on the screen or printed on paper. The student is asked questions related to the image, for example, pathological images of a specific disease, an image of a specific sign of a specific disease, an image of a medical device and its uses, a textual case of a patient with laboratory test results, and questions are asked about the diagnosis of the disease, and how to diagnose and treat it.
the focus
- OSCE : aims to assess a combination of clinical skills, such as communication and management of patient problems.
- OSPE : Focuses primarily on practical skills, such as performing specific procedures in laboratories.
the time
- OSCE : Typically completed in 90 minutes, with each station lasting between 4 and 15 minutes.
- OSPE : Each station typically takes 6 to 7 minutes.
Benefits
Both methods aim to improve objectivity and transparency in assessment, and reduce bias, ensuring a fair and objective assessment of students' skills.
Conclusion
In general, while the OSCE focuses on assessing overall clinical competencies, the OSPE focuses on assessing practical skills in a systematic manner.
