Journal of Research in Medical Education & Ethics

Postgraduate students learn management of patients informally and on job from their colleagues. This study is an audit of the present teaching learning method of elementary patient care competencies using objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Postgraduate students who joined the M.S. general surgery course in June 2017 were assessed by OSCE which involved 14 stations based on competencies involving cognitive, affective and psychomotor domains. Their senior peers were trained and served as assessors. Focused group discussion was conducted among assessors and students. The feedback was used to modify the training programme.

Focused group discussion revealed that OSCE was appreciated as an innovative method of formative assessment. It encouraged the students to rectify their mistakes and relearn. It also highlighted the need of formal training focusing on competencies.

Formative assessment in postgraduate training is essential for planning of appropriate course correction. The focus of modern postgraduate teaching programme in general surgery should be development of competency. Empowering senior peers to train and assess the juniors is mutually beneficial.