OSCE to assess competency in IV medication administration

Abstract

Background

Competency-based education (CBE) supports nursing student learning and safe practices by adopting repeated practice and feedback.

Aim

The project aimed to examine processes to increase student competencies in intravenous (IV) medication administration and Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation (OSCE) methods using best practices in simulation.

Methods

This pilot project examined CBE and OSCE processes in building student confidence and competency in IV medication administration skills.

Using a quasi-experimental design, the effects of CBE on confidence were examined by differences in student (n = 19) confidence levels pre and post IV medication administration practice sessions with senior nursing students using IV Therapy Self-Confidence Scale. End of program confidence levels were compared with OSCE scores to examine the correlations between confidence and competence.

Results

Confidence levels increased significantly (<.05), while the relationship between confidence and competence in IV medication administration was mixed.

Conclusions

Confidence in nursing skills does not equate to competency. Implementing CBE and OSCE using simulation best practices is a challenge.