Implementation of Objective Structured Practical Examination and Comparison with Conventional Method in Second-year MBBS Students: An Osmose of Perception

Objective: To study students’ perceptions regarding implementation of objective structured practical examination and comparison with conventional methods as an assessment tool in subject Pathology. Methods: A descriptive, cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among the students in the subject pathology. In total, 159 students responded to the questionnaire. The practical assessment of students was conducted through OSPE with inclusion of must know competencies for assessment of psychomotor, observational, interpretative skills, and critical thinking to assess a specific competency. Perceptions of students regarding this method were obtained based on Likert scale—Strongly disagree, Disagree, Agree, Strongly Agree, and neutral. Results: In total, 159 responses were received for the questionnaire. When comparing the traditional and OSPE method for evaluation, 79.9% responded that practical skills were better assessed by OSPE method and 68.6% viewed evaluation by this method to be more objective. Conclusion: Perception of students toward implementation of OSPE in assessment favored a hybrid model approach, as 64.1% of students preferred a combination of OSPE and traditional methods.