Abstract
Purpose: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted clinical training and accelerated the adaptation of the Objective Structured Clinical Examination to virtual formats (vOSCEs). Evidence on the feasibility of vOSCEs in undergraduate education remains limited in Latin America. Methods: A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study was conducted with fifth-year medical students at a Chilean university in 2021. Feasibility was assessed using Bowen’s framework—acceptability, implementation, integration, limited-efficacy testing, and adaptation—through online questionnaires and role-segmented focus groups. Two vOSCE iterations combined dynamic stations with simulated patients and static “mailbox” tasks delivered via Zoom and CANVAS. After the first iteration, modifications included a single Zoom session with breakout rooms and streamlined static materials. Results: Of 113 stakeholders, 63.7% participated (students n=41; faculty n=14; simulated patients n=14). Student satisfaction increased from 60.0% to 93.8% between iterations, while perceived competency coverage rose from 84.0% to 93.8%. Implementation favorability improved (68.0% to 93.8%), supported by high ratings for preparatory information (90.2%) and induction (85.4%). Focus groups emphasized the need for training, clear time management, and concise station design, while internet stability remained a challenge. Conclusions: The vOSCE is a feasible assessment method in medical education. Iterative improvements enhanced feasibility dimensions, though further multi-institutional validation and cost-effectiveness studies are needed.
Author Bio(s)
Jacqueline Segovia, RN, MSc Registered Nurse, Universidad Andrés Bello. Master in Medical Education, Universidad de Concepción. Coordinator at the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Simulation (CEMSIC) at Universidad Diego Portales, specializing in simulation methodologies and interprofessional education.
Alejandra Quiroz, MD, MPH Physician, Universidad de Valparaíso. Family Physician, specializing in child health, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. Holds a Master's in Public Health from Universidad de Chile and a Diploma in Health Quality Management. Acting Director of Postgraduate Medicine at Universidad Diego Portales.
Francisco Villalón, MD, MBA Physician specializing in Psychiatry, with a Master's in Business Administration. He is a researcher and educator affiliated with the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Simulation (CEMSIC) and the Psychiatry and Mental Health Postgraduate Program at Universidad Diego Portales.
Valentina Marican Medical student at Universidad Diego Portales. She collaborates with the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Simulation (CEMSIC), focusing on clinical simulation research and methodologies.
Marcia Maldonado, RN, MSc (c) Registered Nurse, Universidad de Chile. Master's candidate in Higher Education at UNAB. Certified Clinical Simulation Instructor at Harvard-MIT's Center for Medical Simulation and PennState Health, Clinical Simulation Center. Instructor for BLS and ACLS (American Heart Association). Holds Diplomas in University Teaching, Simulation-Based Teaching, and Research and Biostatistics from Universidad Diego Portales.
Ivonne Moreno, MD, MSc Physician and Director of the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Simulation (CEMSIC) at Universidad Diego Portales. Holds a Master's in Medical Education and specializes in innovative methodologies for clinical education and training.
Robinson Torres, MD, MSc Physician with a Master's in Medical Education. Affiliated with the Center for Medical Education and Clinical Simulation (CEMSIC) at Universidad Diego Portales, focusing on integrating technology and innovative practices into medical training.
Camila Peralta, Soc, MSc Sociologist with a Master's in Methods for Social Research from Universidad Diego Portales. Holds a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences and Humanities and specializes in qualitative methodologies, contributing to educational research and development.
Ingrid Puchi, MSc E-learning Project Manager and Coordinator of Online Education at Universidad Diego Portales. Specializes in non-presential educational models and the integration of AI-generated resources for academic development.
Recommended Citation
Segovia J, Quiroz A, Villalon Lopez FJ, Marican V, Maldonado M, Moreno I,
et al.
Assessing the Feasibility of a Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination for Medical Education: A Mixed-Methods Study Involving Students and Educators. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice.
2026 Mar 03;24(1), Article 23.
