Pharmacy Students’ Perceptions and Performance on the Use of an Online Virtual Experience Tool for Practicing Objective Structured Clinical Examinations

Objective. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) practice sessions are logistically challenging and resource demanding. Our objective was to examine pharmacy students’ OSCE performance and perceptions about an interactive online learning module (Monash OSCE Virtual Experience (MOVE). Methods. MOVE online module consists of twenty pharmacy case scenarios with virtual patients. It was piloted with our final year pharmacy students at Monash University campuses in Australia (Parkville) and Malaysia (Sunway). A mixed methods approach consisting of: (1) reviewing user attempts and grade comparison, (2) self-administered questionnaires, and (3) focus groups was used to examine students’ perception and performance. Results. More than 99% of all students attempted at least one online case scenario in preparation for their final OSCE. 81% attempted all twenty scenarios two or more times. 90% of Sunway students and 70% of Parkville students reported MOVE to be a helpful study tool for their OSCE preparation. However, raw comparison of user attempts and OSCE marks showed no direct correlation between online module attempts and assessment grades. Self-administered questionnaire and focus group results indicated that MOVE prepared students for targeted and time-bound history taking and problem-solving skills. Overall, students perceived MOVE to be a useful learning tool and less overwhelming learning experience than face to face sessions. Nevertheless, students still preferred face-to-face OSCE practice with simulated patients than online practice with virtual patients. Conclusion. MOVE was perceived by our students as a flexible and useful online learning aid for their final year OSCE preparation.