OSCEs in O & G | |
Objective structured clinical examination in obstetrics and gynaecology. Justin C Konje, David J Taylor. Oxford: Blackwell Science 1998 (viii + 163pp.). ISBN: 0 632 04764 X |
The objective structured
clinical examination (OSCE) has become an important mode of assessment in undergraduate and postgraduate clinical examinations. Obstetrics and gynaecology is particularly suited to this form of assessment given the importance of establishing good communication and the special difficulties associated with long- and short-case clinical examinations in these disciplines. OSCEs are often used to assess skills not so easily assessed in a written examination, such as communication skills and interpretation of clinical photographs or laboratory reports. All bar one medical school in Australia and New Zealand have undergraduate OSCE examinations in obstetrics and gynaecology. Similar assessments are made for the Australian Medical Council examinations and both the diploma and membership examinations of the Royal Australian College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. This book is divided into three sections, comprising OSCE questions in each of gynaecology, obstetrics and neonatal paediatrics. The questions are grouped within each discipline and each has four or five subquestions, which would form the basis for attaining marks. The answers to most of these are short and factual rather than descriptive. The questions focus on a clinical problem, clinical photograph, laboratory report, ultrasound image, x-ray, pathology specimen, cardiotocograph tracing or counselling situation. The book probably places greater emphasis on pathology specimens than would be seen in most Australian undergraduate or postgraduate examinations. There are excellent examples of interactive questions at the end of each chapter where the important points to be made in counselling situations are discussed. The standard is aimed essentially at medical student and diploma candidates, but would also be useful revision for those planning to sit membership examinations. Although designed for the United Kingdom trainee, the standard and nature of the questions is very suitable for Australia and New Zealand. Preparation for OSCE examinations currently includes "networking" to obtain banks of previously used questions -- often derived from the dubious recollection of previous candidates. Inaccuracies in recollection often lead to confusion, frustration and distress. The examples in this book may provide a more realistic guide to possible questions and appropriate answers. The candidate who has perfected answers to all the questions in this book is likely to have reached a higher standard than is currently seen during the ever-shorter clinical attachments in obstetrics and gynaecology. J Michael H Permezel
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