virtual image-based objective structured practical examination: an innovative method of practical internal assessment for pathology undergraduate students during the covid-19 pandemic

Background: the covid-19 pandemic has a huge impact on the medical education in india especially the undergraduate medical course. we follow the curriculum based medical education (cbme) as set up by the national medical council in india. conducting the practical internal assessment for pathology undergraduate students virtually was challenging and we conducted the same using the “virtual image based - objective structured practical examination (ospe)”.objectives: to analyze the effectiveness and impact of virtual image based ospe as a method of internal assessment for pathology undergraduate students during the covid-19 pandemic.methods: a total of 198 students took part in the virtual image based –ospe pattern of examination. each ospe was well structured and had image based questions for 5 marks each. a clinical history was attached with each case and included images of gross morphology and appropriate microscopic pictures. a feedback was taken from the students regarding the image based-ospe. the feedback included 10 questions assessed on a 5 point likert scale.results: the online image based ospe was conducted with ease using the online digital software-“jssu online”, successfully simulating the actual offline experience. answer scripts were uploaded online and the correction was done using the university digital software. the feedback was given by 177 second year mbbs students. the assessment pattern being new and exciting, was received well by majority of the students.conclusion: virtual image based ospe’s are a good substitute for conducting the online practical internal assessment for undergraduate pathology students during the covid-19 pandemic. especially in universities with a good digital platform, these can be used with ease.