Conference presentation
Student performance, preparedness and confidence in health practical assessments: A mixed methods investigation across multiple disciplines
ANZAHPE 2025: Embracing The Future (Perth, WA, 30/06/2025–03/07/2025)
01/07/2025
Metrics
2 Record Views
Abstract
Practical assessments, such as objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) and VIVA exams, are pivotal in health education, ensuring students demonstrate competency in clinical skills, knowledge application, and professional communication. Despite their value, these high pressure assessments often elicit significant anxiety, which can negatively impact performance. This mixed methods study explored the factors influencing student confidence, anxiety, and preparedness for practical assessments, aiming to inform the development of targeted support strategies and preparation programs. Quantitative data were collected through an online survey from 101 participants (85% female, 15% male), from which the majority were undergraduates. Participants were enrolled in programs for Nursing, Midwifery, Sports Science, Exercise Physiology, Osteopathic Medicine, and Biomedical Sciences. The survey contained questions about perceived support needs and preparation practices for assessments. Complementing this, qualitative insights were gained from semi structured interviews with six health students, exploring lived experience. Survey results indicated that whilst students reported high anxiety levels on a numeric scale practical assesses, they described those as “normal stress” in free text responses. To expand om free text responses, an inductive thematic analysis revealed three themes; Attaining Best or ‘Good Enough’ Practice Negotiating Perceived Power of Assessors, and Noting Uncertainty and Inconsistency. These themes addressed issues such as the importance of in person preparation, peer support and a wish to humanise the experience as much as possible without compromising realism. Findings underscored the need for innovative, student-centred approaches to practical assessment preparation. By integrating peer assisted learning, mock assessments, and accessible resources, educational institutions can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. This study highlights the critical role of targeted support in fostering student well being, competence, and lifelong learning skills. Insights gained can inform teaching practices across health disciplines, contributing to developing confident, practice ready professionals equipped to navigate the demands of their future careers.
Details
- Title
- Student performance, preparedness and confidence in health practical assessments: A mixed methods investigation across multiple disciplines
- Creators
- Kellie Toohey A/Prof - Southern Cross UniversitySally Sargeant A/Prof - Southern Cross UniversityJena Buchan Dr - Southern Cross UniversityKarlah Norkunas Dr - Southern Cross UniversityJodie Cochrane Wilkie Dr - Southern Cross UniversityJaime Doumas Ms - Southern Cross UniversityDonna Wilson Ms - Southern Cross UniversityLuke Del Vecchio Dr - Southern Cross UniversityChithira Johnson Dr - Southern Cross UniversityFiona Naumann Prof - Southern Cross University
- Conference
- ANZAHPE 2025: Embracing The Future (Perth, WA, 30/06/2025–03/07/2025)
- Grants
- Faculty of Health Teaching & Learning Innovation Grant: Addressing practical assessment (e.g., VIVAs, OSCEs) preparation and stressors in Health students with a co-developed, peer-supported program, SCU FoH TL 2025.4, Southern Cross University Faculty of Health
- Identifiers
- 991013294455302368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference presentation