The OSCE Revisited: Use of Performance-Based Evaluation in Psychiatric Education

Conclusions

Performance-based assessment evaluates the clinical skills of trainees in ways that cannot be duplicated by the usual paper-and-pencil test. The usual test of knowledge, whether it be essay, multiple-choice, or another method, may sample knowledge very effectively. However, this type of testing does not tell the evaluator if the candidate can use the knowledge in a clinical setting. Performance-based assessment attempts to address this by requiring the trainee to demonstrate clinical skills in settings that are similar to the usual clinical setting where the individual will be practicing in the future. The OSCE is one method of performance-based assessment that allows this to be done in a cost-effective manner and with enough face validity to gain the acceptance of faculty and trainees.