Pharmacists' perceptions of the impact of Objective Structured Clinical Examination on professional development and competence: a cross-sectional study in Qatar.

Abstract

Objectives: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a key tool in healthcare education, assessing clinical skills and competencies. This study explores OSCE's impact on pharmacists' competence, confidence, and practice readiness, focusing on its role in professional development and long-term practice improvement.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among Qatar University pharmacy graduates with at least a year of practice experience. The survey included 10 items on a 4-point Likert scale to capture quantitative data, along with open-ended questions for more detailed reflections and qualitative insights. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, and qualitative data were thematically analyzed through an inductive approach, with two researchers independently coded responses and identifying themes.

Key findings: Out of 75 eligible pharmacists, 46 responded (61.3% response rate). Over 85% reported that OSCE improved communication and interprofessional collaboration skills, and 80% felt it helped apply essential professional skills effectively. However, opinions varied on making OSCE a licensure requirement. Six main themes emerged: (i) Enhanced Interprofessional Collaboration Skills, (ii) Application of Professional Skills, (iii) Practical Application of Pharmacy Education, (iv) Adaptability for Evolving Healthcare Challenges, (v) Enhancement of Patient-Facing Communication Skills, and (vi) Identification of Personal Strengths and Weaknesses.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that OSCEs enhance pharmacists' clinical skills, communication, and practice readiness. Pharmacy programs should continue integrating OSCEs alongside other assessments for comprehensive evaluation. Policymakers are encouraged to explore OSCEs for licensure, ensuring standardization and evaluator training. Future research should assess OSCE's long-term impact on pharmacists' career development and patient outcomes.