DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A RUBRIC-BASED OSCE FOR INFORMED CONSENT COMPETENCY IN UNDERGRADUATE MEDICAL STUDENTS
TL;DR
Rubric-based OSCE assessment provides a structuredand reliable method for evaluating informed consent competency and strengthens competency-based evaluation of communication and ethical skills, thereby strengthening competency-based evaluation of communication and ethical skills.
Abstract
Background: Competency-based medical education (CBME) highlights the importance of communication, ethics, and professionalism in clinical practice. Obtaining informed consent is a key skill that reflects these competencies. However, assessment of informed consent during Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) often relies on checklist-based methods, which may not adequately capture the quality of communication or ethical reasoning. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a rubric-based OSCE approach to assess informed consent competency among undergraduate medical students.Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental educational intervention was conducted among 120 Phase III MBBS students. A structured analytic rubric aligned with CBME competencies was developed and refined using a two-round Delphi process involving experienced faculty members. Faculty were oriented through calibration sessions prior to implementation. The same cohort of students was assessed in both pre-and post-intervention phases under comparable conditions. Student performance was analyzed using paired t-tests, inter-rater reliability using Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC, two-way random effects), and stakeholder perceptions using Likert-scale surveys and thematic analysis.Results: Mean student scores improved from 58 ± 8.4 before implementation to 80 ± 6.9 after introduction of the rubric (p < 0.001). Inter-rater reliability demonstrated good agreement (ICC = 0.82). Most participants (78%) reported positive perceptions, highlighting improved clarity, fairness, and feedback quality.Conclusion: Rubric-based OSCE assessment provides a structuredand reliable method for evaluating informed consent competency. It supports more transparent assessment and facilitates meaningful feedback, thereby strengthening competency-based evaluation of communication and ethical skills. Further studies with comprehensive psychometric evaluation are recommended.