No images? Click here Update on the audio-visual Objective Structured Clinical Examination on Saturday 20 November 2021 Dear This is an important update this week on the audio-visual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (AVOSCE) scheduled for Saturday 20 November 2021. The project team has been focussing on rigorous testing of the staging environment. The team has carried out six simulated exams where team members performed as mock exam participants, testing the exam workflow from the perspective of candidates, examiners and role players with multiple stations and streams to simulate a real exam. An evaluation of the software’s performance against the RANZCP OSCE’s unique requirements is undertaken following each test, with areas for change identified and improvements communicated to the software development team. After each test the requested changes are considered, configured, deployed and quality tested. While there has been significant progress, more time is still required for further critical development and testing before the platform is fit for the formal pre-OSCE Pilot. Time is required to further optimise and finesse the process by which candidates will move in and out of stations. With the support of the OSCE Steering Group, it has been agreed to postpone the pre-exam Pilot by a week, to Saturday 6 November 2021, to provide additional time for software improvements and to optimise the workflow for all users, while ensuring the online exam environment includes the required features for the OSCE. While we do not anticipate any adverse impact on the scheduled OSCE date of Saturday 20 November 2021, in the event the testing fails to demonstrate that an acceptable candidate experience can be assured, the OSCE scheduled for November may be deferred to a later date rather than risk proceeding with a product that may not be able to meet all the requirements by Saturday 20 November 2021. We encourage candidates to continue their preparations for the exam and we will immediately communicate to all stakeholders if there is any change to the date of the OSCE delivery. The OSCE Steering Group will review contingency planning for the OSCE but does not anticipate any change to what has been previously advised (see below). We are continuing to develop instructional resources, videos, and FAQ documentation to support users in the various roles for the exam. These will be finalised and distributed prior to the commencement of the training sessions. Mandatory technology testing Over the past few weeks, the College held a series of technology testing sessions to support participants to prepare for the technology requirements of the upcoming AVOSCE. Attendance at one of these sessions is mandatory. If you fail to attend a session, all responsibility for any equipment or internet connectivity issue is with the candidate and consideration of these issues will not be granted when reviewing results. If you have missed out on the first round offered in October, further sessions have been scheduled for the following dates: Examiners:
Candidates:
Invitations to book appointments for these sessions will be sent on Monday 1 November 2021. Preparing your location and equipment for the exam Participants are reminded to select the location from which they will undertake their exam, as soon as possible. The College recommends that participants choose a space with adequate ventilation, a door that closes (to minimise interruptions and noise) and sufficient lighting that does not cause a glare on the screen or backlight the candidate whilst on Zoom. All participants should check their internet capacity and connection as well as any potential outages in their location in advance. Internet connectivity can be improved by reducing additional streaming during the examination session. If your home internet is unsuitable/unreliable (e.g., noisy, prone to interruptions) it is the participant’s responsibility to arrange an alternative location. Candidates and examiners will participate in the exam from a computer or laptop ONLY. Tablets, iPad, or mobile devices are not suitable. Candidates will be restricted to undertaking the exam on one workstation and screen only. This is important to ensure that exam conduct is adhered to AVOSCE requirements and can be monitored by invigilators. Training for participants For participants to familiarise themselves with the AVOSCE software, online training sessions will commence on Monday 08 November. The following session times have been confirmed: Examiners:
Candidates:
Participation in one of the sessions is mandatory and once you have completed your training, access to the online practice environment will be granted. Bookings will open from week commencing Monday 1 November 2021. Contingency planning If the AVOSCE cannot be delivered due to technology failure or an extenuating event, the College will hold an OSCE for a small priority cohort of candidates who are closest to Fellowship and for whom successful completion of the OSCE is the last requirement to be eligible for Fellowship. We will advise further details for this as soon as possible via direct communications. This exam will likely to be held prior to the next scheduled OSCE in March 2022. We are in the process of identifying priority candidates and developing the list, and we will be advising of the eligibility prior to Saturday 20 November 2021. Support for candidates The College acknowledges the significant uncertainties associated with COVID-related disruptions and the anxieties experienced by trainees and specialist international medical graduates with the introduction of new exam delivery software. We are making every effort to provide support and information as it becomes available. The College website provides candidate supports available which can be accessed via the link Support for RANZCP members. Candidates are encouraged to discuss any issues with their Directors of Training and/or Supervisor, and the confidential welfare support line. Flexibility around withdrawal refunds will be applied. Should you have any questions regarding the upcoming OSCE exam, please write to clinicals@ranzcp.org. Associate Professor Lisa Lampe Dr Nathan Gibson Dr Nick O’Connor |