Exploring Final Year Nursing Students' Perception on Soft Skills Integration in Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Abstract

Background: The integration of soft skills into clinical skills assessment is critical in preparing nursing students for their professional role. The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of final-year nursing students regarding the implementation of soft skills in the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). Methods: This is a qualitative study using a reflective thematic analysis approach. The participants consisted of twelfth final-year nursing students from the Kulliyyah of Nursing, IIUM. The participants were selected through purposive sampling method and attended semi-structured interviews. Results: Four themes emerged after data analysis, including 1) perceived definition and its components 2) the benefits of integrating soft skills into OSCEs, 3) the factors that influence and hinder the use of soft skills in OSCEs, and 4) recommendations for overcoming barriers to integrating soft skills into OSCEs. Conclusion: The study concluded that the integration of soft skills in OSCE assessments is viewed positively by nursing students and is considered essential for their professional development. The integration of soft skills improves communication, enhances rapport and improves overall patient care. The findings highlight the importance of integrating soft skills into nursing training through workshops and simulations, preparing graduates for patient care and teamwork. Policymakers should establish standardised guidelines for consistent assessments aligned with healthcare standards.