Summative Objective Structured Clinical Examination Assessment: A Mini Review

Abstract

The end of any form of rigorous, specific, and high-stakes process of systematic and structured instruction is characterized by a summative assessment to evaluate the learner's ability to apply the body of knowledge or clinical skills encountered and interacted with over a specific duration and to progress to the next phase of training. The aim of this project is to analyze the design, validity, delivery, supervision, and feedback of a summative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) assessment. The results of this analysis showed a satisfactory and widely accepted method of assessment in medical education despite a few shortcomings. All forms of assessment have their inherent strengths and weaknesses, but it is essential that these assessments encourage future learning. Summative assessment has been proven to be a valid, comprehensive, and reliable method, and most importantly, it allows direct observation and evaluation of procedural and clinical skills.