|
Formats
The main types of exam formats encountered in
Canada include:
Multiple-Choice
Questions (MCQ)
Clinical Reasoning Skills Questions (CRS)
Objective Structured Clinical Exam (OSCE)
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQ) Format
Many of the exams in the Canadian medical licensing process are comprised of
multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
You will encounter MCQs in the MCCEE, MCCQE
Part I and in some of the provincial/territorial IMG-specific program entrance exams. The
questions include a stem (a statement/question), followed by several possible options to
choose from in order to complete the statement. You must choose the option or options
(depending on the instructions) that are correct.
Sample
Multiple Choice Question >>
For more information see Preparation for Exams/Assessment.
Top of Page >>
Clinical Decision Making (CDM) Questions Format
You will encounter CDM questions in the afternoon session of the MCCQE
Part I.
The MCCQE Part I is computer–based.
The multiple-choice question session of the exam is computer-adaptive.
What Do the Questions Try to Assess?
SOURCE: excerpted from Medical Council of
Canada site
| • |
CDM questions assess problem-solving and
clinical decision-making skills. |
| • |
Candidates are presented with case
descriptions followed by one or more test questions that assess key issues in the
resolution of the case. |
| • |
Candidates are asked to elicit clinical
information, order diagnostic procedures, make diagnoses or prescribe therapy. Their
decisions should reflect the management of an actual patient. |
| • |
The questions about these case descriptions
are in both “short-menu”
and “write-in” formats. |
Example of CDM Format:
Top of Page >>
Objective Structured Clinical Exam
(OSCE) Format
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is used to assess the clinical skills
of students and residents. Candidates perform clinical tasks in a series of clinical test
stations while interacting with a trained lay-person (or actor), called a standardized
patient (SP). The SP pretends to be a patient with a real illness. At each station,
candidates are expected to interact with the SP in the same way that they interact with
actual patients. The task(s) for each clinical station may involve taking a history,
conducting a physical examination, making initial management decisions and/or addressing
issues raised by the patient. A Physician Examiner observes the interaction and scores
candidates' performance according to checklists developed by OSCE Test Committees. In
addition, candidates may be asked to answer specific questions relating to the patient,
interpret x-rays and/or the results of other investigations, make a diagnosis and/or write
admission orders.
You will encounter the OSCE format in the MCCQE Part II exam and various provincial/territorial IMG-specific program
entrance exams.
What Is Being Tested In OSCEs?
- Medical knowledge
- Clinical skills
- Medical practice skills such as, data gathering, clinical
reasoning skills and developing a management plan
- The demonstration of ethical, professional behaviour
- Communication skills
- Patient interaction skills
What may constitute unsatisfactory exam performance
on an OSCE?
• Providing misinformation
• Lack of skills
• Inadequate knowledge
• Uncaring attitude
• Perform potentially dangerous acts
• Unable to focus on patient’s problem
• Poor communicator
• Unable to address patient’s complaints
Other OSCE Examples
The American USMLE Step 2 CS exam (formerly the ECFMG Clinical Skills Assessment, CSA) and
MCCQE Part II are clinical exams that make use of standardized patients. The American
OSCE is a one-day test that mirrors a physician's typical workday in a clinic.
The following sites provide more information on the OSCE format.
• USMLE site includes online OSCE
orientation video and photos
• ECFMG
Within this web site, see:
• Preparation for Exams/Assessment
• MCCQE Part II Examination
|
