The objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) the true origins

The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) first appeared as a title and as an acronym in 1979. It has now become a worldwide phenomenon with almost 3,200 related publications reported in PubMed to date. Prior to its introduction, there were very real concerns regarding Objectivity, Validity and Reliability of prior clinical assessment methods and the overall fairness to students on their assessment of clinical competence. Variations and applications in other allied clinical sub-specialties and non-allied, have now emerged on the method. In addition, numerous psychometric papers have resulted. However, very little in reference to its precise origin has been accurately reported. What has been reported thus far, in some otherwise excellent publications, has been significantly incorrect. A combination of the Steeplechase Examination method, a joint paper from the University of Dundee and the University of Glasgow, and a dissertation for a Diploma in Educational Technology by the author, has resulted in what has now become the globally recognised term: OSCE. The detailed evidence-based narrative of its true origins and its Irish connections to The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) in this paper summarises the preceding two years of academic endeavour in Dundee prior to its publication debut in January 1979.