Examining the association of GPA and PCAT scores on objective structured clinical examination scores

Abstract

Objective. To examine the association between certain demographic and admission measures and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) performance in a cohort of pharmacy students. Methods. A retrospective review of demographic characteristics, admissions data [cumulative and science admission Grade Point Average (GPA), Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores], and OSCE scores was performed for the Class of 2017 at the University of Tennessee College of Pharmacy. Results. Female students scored significantly higher than male students on the Warfarin OSCE – Standardized Patient (SP) rated General Communication Skills and on the Warfarin OSCE – Faculty rated Patient Interviewing Skills. Age was significantly, inversely correlated with Warfarin OSCE – Faculty rated Therapeutic Knowledge score. Warfarin OSCE – SP rated General Communication Skills score was significantly, positively related to PCAT composite score and PCAT reading comprehension score. PCAT composite score was significantly, inversely correlated to Warfarin OSCE – Faculty rated Patient Interviewing Skills score. Warfarin OSCE – Faculty rated General Communication Skills score was significantly, positively related to cumulative admission GPA and admission science GPA. Conclusion. Eight statistically significant correlations were found between demographic and admissions measures and specific OSCE scores. Regression models were significant but explained a low percentage of the variance in OSCE scores, suggesting other factors not included in the study have a greater effect on scores. Such factors may include knowledge acquired in pharmacy school courses such as the therapeutics course series.