Changing student perception of an Online Integrated Structured Clinical Examination during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has created a hiatus in in-person clinical assessments due to safety and logistical concerns. We aimed to evaluate student perception and utility of an online Integrated Structured Clinical Examinations (ISCEs) during the pandemic. Methods: Final-year medical students from a single institution were offered an online mock ISCE through a student-to-student (“near-peer”) teaching-programme. A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted pre- and post-online mock ISCE. Results: 64 students completed the study. Matched pre- and post-data showed an increase in confidence (p<0.0001), less worry regarding the online format (p<0.0001) and less anxiety about excelling in ISCEs (p<0.001). Students felt that having done the mock, an online format would more positively affect their overall performance (p=0.007). Conclusions: This study demonstrates a positive change in student perception and confidence in online ISCEs. Online ISCEs are thus feasible, though sole reliance on this format may provide an incomplete assessment of student’s overall clinical competency.