Nasr Ziad G, Shehzad Hafsa, Wilby Kyle J
College of Pharmacy, Health Sector, Qatar University, 2713, Doha, Qatar.
College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 1X7, Canada.
Int J Pharm Pract. 2025 Feb 7;33(1):95-101. doi: 10.1093/ijpp/riae078.
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a key tool in healthcare education, assessing clinical skills and competencies. This study explores OSCE's impact on pharmacists' competence, confidence, and practice readiness, focusing on its role in professional development and long-term practice improvement.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Qatar University pharmacy graduates with at least a year of practice experience. The survey included 10 items on a 4-point Likert scale to capture quantitative data, along with open-ended questions for more detailed reflections and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed through an inductive approach, with two researchers independently coded responses and identifying themes.
Out of 75 eligible pharmacists, 46 responded (61.3% response rate). Over 85% reported that OSCE improved communication and interprofessional collaboration skills, and 80% felt it helped apply essential professional skills effectively. However, opinions varied on making OSCE a licensure requirement. Six main themes emerged: (i) Enhanced Interprofessional Collaboration Skills, (ii) Application of Professional Skills, (iii) Practical Application of Pharmacy Education, (iv) Adaptability for Evolving Healthcare Challenges, (v) Enhancement of Patient-Facing Communication Skills, and (vi) Identification of Personal Strengths and Weaknesses.
This study demonstrates that OSCEs enhance pharmacists' clinical skills, communication, and practice readiness. Pharmacy programs should continue integrating OSCEs alongside other assessments for comprehensive evaluation. Policymakers are encouraged to explore OSCEs for licensure, ensuring standardization and evaluator training. Future research should assess OSCE's long-term impact on pharmacists' career development and patient outcomes.
客观结构化临床考试（OSCE）是医疗保健教育中的一项关键工具，用于评估临床技能和能力。本研究探讨OSCE对药剂师能力、信心和执业准备情况的影响，重点关注其在专业发展和长期实践改进中的作用。
对卡塔尔大学至少有一年实践经验的药学专业毕业生进行了横断面调查。该调查包括10个采用4点李克特量表的项目，以获取定量数据，同时还有开放式问题，以获得更详细的反馈和定性见解。使用SPSS对定量数据进行分析，通过归纳法对定性数据进行主题分析，由两名研究人员独立对回答进行编码并确定主题。
在75名符合条件的药剂师中，46人做出了回应（回应率为61.3%）。超过85%的人报告称OSCE提高了沟通和跨专业协作技能，80%的人认为它有助于有效地应用基本专业技能。然而，对于将OSCE作为执照要求，意见不一。出现了六个主要主题：（i）增强跨专业协作技能，（ii）专业技能的应用，（iii）药学教育的实际应用，（iv）适应不断变化的医疗保健挑战，（v）增强面对患者的沟通技能，以及（vi）识别个人优势和劣势。
本研究表明，OSCE提高了药剂师的临床技能、沟通能力和执业准备情况。药学课程应继续将OSCE与其他评估方法相结合，以进行全面评估。鼓励政策制定者探索将OSCE用于执照颁发，确保标准化和评估人员培训。未来的研究应评估OSCE对药剂师职业发展和患者结局的长期影响。
