The OSCE as a tool for the evaluation of a Pre-Departure Training program: A pilot study
Abstract
Objective: As the number of medical students completing international electives increases, so does the need for appropriate pre-departure training (PDT) programs. Though PDT programs are currently available across Canada, little information is available on program effectiveness.
Methods and Results: Five conference attendees completed a video-recorded five-station OSCE the day before and after the 2012 PDT conference. Results showed improvement in the areas of travel safety (+ 22%, p < 0.01) and cultural competency (+19%, p < 0.01) stations.
Conclusions: Our pilot study observed variable OSCE performance following PDT. Following a review of the literature addressing the use of the OSCE methodology, we conclude that this methodology has great future potential in global health training.
Published
2013-09-23
Issue
Section
Commentaries