Two days training Workshop on Objective Structure Practical Examination (OSPE) concludes

Prof. Dr. Mohammad Hafizullah VC Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar has said that Examination Department was trying to make examination system more transparent, objective, modern and less biased. To achieve this goal, MCQs and SEQs have been introduced in theory papers. For practical examination Objective Structure Clinical Examination (OSCE) has already been introduced and practiced in clinical subjects however, For Basic Medical Science Subjects Objective Structure Practical Examination (OSPE) is being introduced as practical mode of examination, he was talking as chief guest to the concluding session of two days training workshop on OSPE organized by Examination Department of KMU at IBMS Peshawar.
            Prof. Hafizullah while highlighting the KMU achievements in respect of changes adopted in the examination system said that after introducing MCQs and SECs in the MBBS theory system now KMU is shifting from old practical system to that of OSCE and OSPE practical system. He said this method with some modifications has stood the test of time and has largely overcome the problems of the conventional clinical examinations.
            VC KMU said that main features of OSCE/OSPE are that both the process and the product are tested giving importance to individual competencies. The examination covers a broad range of clinical skills much wider than a conventional examination. The scoring is objective, since standards of competence are preset and agreed check lists are used for scoring. OSPE ensures integration of teaching and evaluation. Variety maintains student's interest. There is increased faculty-student interaction. OSPE is adaptable to local needs. A large number of students can be tested within a relatively short time, he added.
            Earlier while talking to the workshop Prof. Dr. Shahnaz Akhter Controller of Examination said that Head of departments of basic medical sciences departments from KMC, KGMC, BKMC, RMC and PIMC attended the workshop and KMU Examination Department would be conducted a series of workshops for capacity building of faculty of basic medical science subjects of all the affiliated medical colleges of KMU in the near future. She said  OSPE has several distinct advantages and  it is feasible in view of the tremendous advantages that it offers, to include the formative assessment of students to improve their clinical competence and to derive an objective score for internal assessment