Comparison Of Objective Structured Practical Examination To Conventional Practical Examination In Microbiology.

Background & Objectives: Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) is a good tool to assess skill competency. The objectives of the study was to compare the score of marks obtained by Conventional method of assessment (CPE) with OSPE for assessing skill competency to perform Gram and Zeihl- Neelsen stain and to know the students’ and teachers’ perception about OSPE. Methods: Ninety two MBBS students were included in the study as ‘OSPE’ and ‘CPE’ groups (46+46). The two groups were assessed for their skill competency to perform Gram and Zeihl- Neelsen stain using OSPE and CPE methods respectively. Teachers’ perception was analysed for both the assessment methods with respect to objectivity, reliability, validity, feasibility etc. Feedback was taken from students too. Results: The difference of marks score by OSPE and CPE was found to be extremely statistically significant. The perception (students’ & teachers’ ) assessment reflected the acceptability of the method among students and teachers. Interpretation & Conclusion: OSPE is a tool which would help increase the objectivity while assessing skills in Microbiology and needs to be evaluated further so as to enable teachers to use this valuable tool alone or in combination with CPE.[Namrata K NJIRM 2016; 7(5):87-91]