Ian Dove
University of Hertfordshire, Uk
Title: Video demonstration of a Simulated Practice Exam (OSCE) process to reduce anxiety and improve nursing students understanding and preparation: an action research project
Biography
Biography: Ian Dove
Abstract
Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE’s) are recognised and utilised by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for assessing nursing skills and competency, and within Higher Education to summatively assess undergraduate Nursing students. Students report significant preparation and performance anxiety, over and above traditional assessment methods. This action research sought to answer the question; can a video OSCE demonstration improve self-confidence and reduce anxiety in students preparing for such assessments? A self-reported anonymous questionnaire was completed by 61 undergraduate student nurses in a UK university, to rate self-confidence and anxiety levels pre and post accessing a video demonstration of an OSCE assessment. Results demonstrated a statistically significant mean improvement in self-confidence, from 2.75 to 3.82 and reduction in anxiety after accessing the video intervention, 3.46 reducing to 2.72. Paired t-tests showed statistical significance t(60) = 5.66, p = < 0.001 and t(60) = 4.76, p = < 0.001 respectively. Participants free text comments suggested adding multiple video examples for future students and unanimously agreed that the video was valuable in their assessment preparation. These results suggest video examples are a useful learning and preparation tool for student candidates preparing for OSCE assessments. Further research into the value of multiple video examples and influence of this preparation on actual assessment results is suggested