Rubrics Used to Assess Communication Skills of Undergraduate Medical Students in Objective Structure Clinical Examinations: A Systematic Review

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore and compare rubrics used to assess communication skills of undergraduate medical students in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). Methods: Papers were identified... [ view full abstract ]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to explore and compare rubrics used to assess communication skills of undergraduate medical students in Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Methods: Papers were identified from Pubmed, Embase, PsycINFO, and the ProQuest Education Databases up to 2013. Excluded were those studies that did not report empirical validity or reliability values for the communication skills assessment checklists used.

Results: Papers focusing on generic communication skills, history taking, physician-patient communication, interviewing, negotiating treatment, information giving, empathy and 18 other domains (ICC -0.12 – 1) were found. Regarding validity and reliability, agreement between independent raters was 0.45.

Conclusion: Heterogeneity in the rubrics for assessment of communication skills makes comparison of student competence within and across institutions difficult. Most papers do not use a standardized measurement instrument to assess communication skills.