Primary school children in a large-scale OSCE: recipe for disaster or formula for success?

Background: Many medical schools have moved to large end-of-year Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) in which it is difficult to involve children as patients. It is nevertheless important to assess student competencies in clinical examination of children. Methods: We set up a partnership with a local primary school, where children aged 8-11 years have assisted with our OSCE annually from 2007 to 2012. Approximately 30 children attend each exam, and are distributed between 14 simultaneous stations, each part of a 20-station circuit. Approximately 280 candidates complete the same paediatric station (e.g. cardiovascular examination) in one morning. Evaluation: A total of 160 children took part in the exams over this period, and of 129 (80.6%) who filled a questionnaire: 99.2% agreed that they 'had enjoyed taking part in the exam'; 100% 'thought it was a good experience'; and 96.1% 'thought that it was well organised'. Parent and teacher feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Conclusion: We conclude that it is feasible to involve school children in a large-scale OSCE. A school - medical school partnership is mutually beneficial, improving assessment of important paediatric clinical skills, while providing a positive experience for children who participate.