Evaluation Process of Clinical Competence in the Certification of Specialists in Family Medicine Through an online OSCE

Abstract

Objective: Conduct the practical phase of the Family Medicine Certification Examination for 860 applicants in Mexico through an online Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Methods: The online OSOE was carried out from January 2022 to July 2023. To develop this evaluation strategy, it was necessary to implement tasks in the following processes: 1. Development of the rubric and design of stations; 2. training of academics, evaluators, evaluated physicians, standardized patients and information and communication technology personnel; 3. Infrastructure, technology and call for registration. Results and Conclusions: The online OSCE is a viable alternative to evaluate the professional competencies of specialists who are certified by the Certification Councils. It is useful in remote scenarios, especially those involving the geographic dispersion of Mexico. It is feasible to apply it to a high number of supporters, it reduces the mobility of those evaluated and the out-of-pocket costs they have to incur derived from their transportation.