The objective structured clinical examination in family medicine training: A comprehensive review for the South African context

Abstract

The valid and reliable assessment of clinical competence is a cornerstone of medical education. The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) has been the hallmark of performance-based assessments for decades. A narrative review of foundational and contemporary literature, encompassing educational theory, psychometric studies and policy documents, was conducted to explore the OSCE’s historical, theoretical and practical dimensions, focusing on its application, challenges and evolution within South African family medicine training. The article synthesises the OSCE benefits, its role in the fellowship examination and discusses the evolution towards a programmatic assessment incorporating workplace-based assessment. The OSCE remains a vital tool in medical education, but its role is evolving. Its future relevance will depend on continuous refinement, technological integration and thoughtful positioning alongside other assessment modalities.
Contribution: This article provides a consolidated, context-specific resource for family physicians, registrars and educators, critically appraising the OSCE’s enduring value and future trajectory within the local training landscape.