Keywords
Clinical Skills
Education
Healthcare Professions Students
OSCE
Scoping Review
How to Cite
Abstract
Introduction. The increasing complexity of healthcare requires health professionals to achieve high levels of competence. Universities are therefore called to adopt assessment methods that effectively support the development of clinical abilities. The aim is to describe the use of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) as an assessment method within bachelor’s degree programmes in the health professions.
Methods. A literature search was carried out in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, CINAHL and grey literature (December 2024–October 2025) following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
Results. Nineteen studies, published between 2000 and 2025, were included from 4,926 identified records. The OSCE is reported as a valid and reliable method for assessing clinical, communicative and relational competencies, with a strong perceived educational impact across undergraduate health professions programmes. Advantages over traditional assessment methods include greater fairness, transparency and objectivity. Reported limitations, often associated with students’ anxiety and stress, include inadequate planning and insufficient preparation.
Discussion. The OSCE is a reliable and fair tool for the structured assessment of clinical competencies. Students perceive it as an educational, motivating and realistic experience. Further studies are needed to explore its application in other health professions and to document implementation processes in programmes where the OSCE is already in use.
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