Nursing Students’ Perception and Attitude towards Objective Structured Clinical Examination in Oman

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore undergraduate nursing students’ perception and attitude towards the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April–May 2020 among undergraduate nursing students at the College of Nursing at Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman. Two self-administered questionnaires were utilised to obtain data on students’ perception and attitude towards OSCE. Students’ feedback on OSCE was collected using open-ended questions about OSCE strengths, weaknesses and recommendations for improvement. Survey responses were based on a five-point ordinal scale, ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Students’ feedback on OSCE was analysed as descriptive data by identifying the common themes and categorising them in groups. Results: A total of 160 students completed the study questionnaires. Most did not find the atmosphere of OSCE to be pleasant (66.3%) and preferred more modes of practical examination (40.6%). Moreover, 64.4% believed the time limitation to be inadequate. The data depict that 33.1% of the examinees deemed the OSCE more stressful than the full practical examination. In addition, a few students confirmed that the OSCE improved their communication skills and confidence in nursing skills. Conclusion: The findings of this study appear alarming in regard to students’ perception regarding the overall process and validity of OSCE as an assessment method. Nursing educators must consider further evaluation and improvement of the OSCE in order to improve students’ acceptance and appreciation of OSCE as an important form of clinical learning and assessment.