In an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), the tasks are standardised. The examination consists of stations, and all candidates rotate through all stations. No examination support material is allowed.
At each station, the candidate is assigned one or more tasks that must be completed within a specified time. Before the examination, candidates will be informed of how many minutes are available at each station.
Time is monitored precisely, and there is a short break between stations to allow candidates to move from one station to the next. Rest stations are included.
The OSCE tests medical knowledge and clinical skills such as clinical judgement, examination methodology, reasoning ability, and problem-solving.
In addition, communication skills are tested, including behaviour towards the patient, and the ability to convey and comprehend information verbally. The candidates’ competence in the investigation and treatment of disease is also tested. The questions may be integrated or related to clinical situations drawn from all subjects covered in the teaching, but they must be anchored in the intended learning outcomes.
At each station there shall be an examiner who assesses the candidate according to specified criteria. In the assessment, the following elements in the candidate’s performance are emphasised:
- communication skills, including conduct towards the patient
- history-taking and examination techniques
- ability to reason and solve problems
- ability to convey and comprehend information verbally
- competence in the investigation and treatment of disease
- performance of practical procedures
A fail grade is given if the candidate does not meet the minimum academic requirements in their assessments, reasoning, problem-solving, communication and language skills, examination techniques, and performance of practical procedures, or if the candidate does not meet the required level of knowledge in central parts of the disciplines.
- MED2200 (Module 2): Students must pass all 5 stations in order to pass the examination.
- MED5600 (Module 6): Students must pass 6 out of 8 stations in order to pass the examination.
- MED6800 (Module 8): Students must pass 7 out of 10 stations in order to pass the examination.