Effects of clinical practice focusing on level-3 OSCE items

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of clinical training focusing on level-3 OSCE (analytical and therapeutic skills) items, and compared the achievement levels of physical (PT) and occupational (OT) therapist students. [Subjects] A total of 282 (165 PT and 117 OT) students enrolled at our university between 2008 and 2010 were studied. [Methods] OSCE scores were compared between before and after clinical training focusing on level-3 OSCE items, and between PT and OT students. [Results] Scores for 5 out of the 6 level-3a items were significantly higher after than before clinical training. Increases in scores of 2 or 3 level-3b and -3c items were also observed after clinical training. There were no marked differences between PT and OT students in scores for level-3a, -3b, and -3c items before clinical training. In contrast, after clinical training, OT students' scores for 3a and 3c items related to dressing were higher than those of PT students, and the latter's scores for 3b items related to transfer were higher than those of the former. [Conclusion] The results suggest level-3 OSCE items are effectively taught during clinical training.