How does self-reflection and review impact Physical Therapy students’ confidence during an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?

Sep 20, 2026

Practical examinations are central to physical therapy education, with grades and faculty feedback traditionally used to guide learning. This study evaluates whether video recording from a prior practical assessment, combined with self-reflection and completion of self-confidence surveys, improves students’ confidence during an OSCE. Surveys will be administered before review, after students rewatch prior recordings, and again following the OSCE. Findings will inform whether the physical therapy department should continue using recording devices to support OSCE performance and self-confidence.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Background

Purpose

Methods

Discussion

TITLE: How does self-reflection and review impact Physical Therapy students’ confidence during an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)? BACKGROUND: Practical examinations are an inherent part of the physical therapy educational process. It is important for students to learn practical skills in school and be able to apply them to clinical practice. Traditionally, when students complete practical examinations, they receive a grade and feedback from the professor. The researchers want to take that a step further and determine what is the impact on student confidence on an OSCE after viewing previous practical recordings, that allow for self-reflection. This along with feedback from the professor will lead to greater improvement in clinical skills and self-confidence on the part of the student. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine if video recording of students during their previous practical examination and having them complete a self-confidence survey has an impact on their confidence levels during an OSCE. This information will be used to determine if the physical therapy department will continue the use of recording devices to ensure students’score well on OSCE. METHODS: A self-confidence survey will be emailed to 34 students in the first year of the physical therapy program to gather quantitative data on the student’s responses. The students will then rewatch their practical examination video from a previous class and complete another selfconfidence survey. After the OSCE, they will fill out post self-confidence survey. The results of the study will be used to enhance students' learning and self-confidence. DISCUSSION: Video recordings have been used in various medical professional training programs including Dental Hygiene, Medical, and Physical Therapy. It has been found to be avery useful tool for both the student and instructor. From preliminary research, it was found that the self-assessment tool should be specific, and the expectations and guidelines should be clear and understood by each student so they understand and can score themselves as accurately as possible.

FAQs

What is the study’s primary purpose regarding OSCE confidence?

To determine whether video recording from a previous practical exam and a self-confidence survey influence students’ confidence levels during an OSCE.

How will students participate in the study?

A self-confidence survey will be emailed to 34 first-year physical therapy students, then students will rewatch their prior practical examination video and complete another survey, followed by a post-OSCE self-confidence survey.

What role does self-reflection play in the proposed improvement?

Viewing previous practical recordings enables self-reflection, and with professor feedback, is expected to strengthen clinical skills and self-confidence.

Why are video recordings considered useful in medical training?

Video recordings have been used across medical-related training programs and are described as useful for both students and instructors, especially when self-assessment tools and expectations are clear.

Sep 20, 2026

Uploaded by Felix Montgomery