Testing of practical surgical teaching at a distance-Experiences with a hybrid OSCE in surgery

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has changed medical teaching worldwide. Digital teaching and examinations are successful for cognitive learning objectives, whereas practical skills had to be carried out predominantly in person under strict hygiene standards. Aim This study presents the opportunities and challenges of using a presence objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) at a distance with digital support. Method Following surgical practical teaching an OSCE was conducted in presence, where students demonstrated practical skills in one room while the examiners were connected via videoconference from another room. Students were surveyed about the OSCE and sustained learning via a standardized online questionnaire after completion of the surgical teaching. Additionally, examiners were surveyed on their experiences. Results In the online survey 40 students participated (25% of n = 157 students contacted) and 36 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Overall, the implementation of an OSCE even under pandemic conditions was perceived as very positive by the students (92% of students n = 33). In particular, the acquisition of practical skills was rated as very high. For 78% (n = 28) of the students, the acquisition of competencies through the practical examination was particularly sustainable. The vast majority of students and examiners felt safe regarding infection control because of the hygiene concept (92%, n = 33). Overall, 80 students achieved grade 1 (51%), 71 students grade 2 (45.2%) and 6 students grade 3 (3.8%) (grade 1 = very good, grade 6 = very bad). Conclusion Practical examinations are essential for checking practical learning objectives and can be implemented at a distance with a well-developed hygiene concept and digital support.