Assessing Physician Assistant Student Electronic Health Record Competency Using an Objective Structured Clinical Examination

Abstract

Purpose Evaluate didactic year physician assistant (PA) student competency in electronic health record (EHR) communication and data management. Methods This study used an Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) to measure PA students' EHR patient communication and data skills. Results Most students demonstrated good EHR communication skills overall, while few students moved the computer to better facilitate the visit or verified the patient's identity. Additionally, few students demonstrated EHR data skills by reviewing patient history and medications. Conclusions Utilizing an OSCE to assess EHR competence can highlight areas for curricular improvement in order to improve EHR skills.

Effectiveness of Screen-Based Simulation as a Strategy to Improve Nurse Practitioner Students' Access to Electronic Health Records in Clinical Education

“…11,24 This lack of opportunity to access and practice documenting care and navigating information contributes to discrepancy in the utilization of EHR features and even misuse of some functions. 12,24,27,28 Relying on clinical sites to provide the necessary experiences with EHRs is no longer feasible. 19 Thus, alternatives must be explored.…”

“…Because of legal limitations and financial costs incurred by healthcare organizations, students may not be allowed to use the full array of EHR features during their clinical training 11,24 . This lack of opportunity to access and practice documenting care and navigating information contributes to discrepancy in the utilization of EHR features and even misuse of some functions 12,24,27,28 . Relying on clinical sites to provide the necessary experiences with EHRs is no longer feasible 19 .…”