Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) versus Traditional Clinical Students Achievement at Maternity Nursing: A Comparative Approach

Using the right method of evaluation plays a considerable role in getting the appropriate result and making the right judgment. Aim: the aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of OSCE versus traditional clinical student's achievement at maternity nursing Methods: quasi experimental deign was adopted. Implementation of the OSCE was carried out on 190 students enrolled in maternity nursing course-Cairo University. Students' achievement and perspectives were investigated. Results: the results indicated that, there was high statistical significant differences between OSCE and traditional methods in the first and second trial (p< 0.016), and (p< 0.000) respectively. The highest rate of satisfaction belonged to OSCE methods of evaluation as the students reported that OSCE measured course objectives (70.6%), enhanced teaching level (71.6%), related theory to practice (71.6%), increased decision making ability (70.5%), enhanced methods of evaluation (70%), and made exam well developed (72%), than the traditional method. The mean score of students ' opinion was (28.1+ 9.6).Conclusion: OSCE can be used as an appropriate method in evaluating nursing clinical skills because of various advantages such as improving students' clinical performance, preparing highly qualified and competent graduates, increasing decision making abilities and enhance teaching level.