Erik Langenau1, Elizabeth Kachur2, Dot Horber3. 1. National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Philadelphia, USA. Electronic address: erikla@pcom.edu. 2. National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, USA. Electronic address: mededdev@earthlink.net. 3. Continuous Professional Development and Innovations, National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners, USA. Electronic address: dhorber@nbome.org.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Using Skype and remote standardized patients (RSPs), investigators sought to evaluate user acceptance of a web-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) among resident physicians. METHODS: After participating in four web-based clinical encounters addressing pain with RSPs, 59 residents from different training programs, disciplines and geographic locations completed a 52-item questionnaire regarding their experience with Skype and RSPs. Open-ended responses were solicited as well. RESULTS: The majority of participants (97%) agreed or strongly agreed the web-based format was convenient and a practical learning exercise, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed the format was effective in teaching communication skills. Although 93% agreed or strongly agreed they could communicate easily with RSPs using Skype, 80% preferred traditional face-to-face clinical encounters, and 58% reported technical difficulties during the encounters. Open-ended written responses supported survey results. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study expose challenges with technology and human factors, but positive experiences support the continued investigation of web-based OSCEs as a synchronous e-learning initiative for teaching and assessing doctor-patient communication. Such educational programs are valuable but unlikely to replace face-to-face encounters with patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This web-based OSCE program provides physician learners with additional opportunity to improve doctor-patient communication.
OBJECTIVE: Using Skype and remote standardized patients (RSPs), investigators sought to evaluate user acceptance of a web-based objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) among resident physicians. METHODS: After participating in four web-based clinical encounters addressing pain with RSPs, 59 residents from different training programs, disciplines and geographic locations completed a 52-item questionnaire regarding their experience with Skype and RSPs. Open-ended responses were solicited as well. RESULTS: The majority of participants (97%) agreed or strongly agreed the web-based format was convenient and a practical learning exercise, and 90% agreed or strongly agreed the format was effective in teaching communication skills. Although 93% agreed or strongly agreed they could communicate easily with RSPs using Skype, 80% preferred traditional face-to-face clinical encounters, and 58% reported technical difficulties during the encounters. Open-ended written responses supported survey results. CONCLUSION: Findings from this study expose challenges with technology and human factors, but positive experiences support the continued investigation of web-based OSCEs as a synchronous e-learning initiative for teaching and assessing doctor-patient communication. Such educational programs are valuable but unlikely to replace face-to-face encounters with patients. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This web-based OSCE program provides physician learners with additional opportunity to improve doctor-patient communication.
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