Design, Implementation and Evaluation of Novel Real Time-PCR Technique Training Workshop for Medical Basic Science Graduate Students in Babol University of Medical Sciences

Background and Objective: Laboratory-based education is one of the basic pillars of change in the management of teaching and learning of students of basic medical sciences. In this study, we designed a workshop with a new approach to teach Real time –PCR technique to postgraduate students of basic medical sciences and to evaluate the practical skills learned in the workshop, we used the standard OSPE assessment. Methods: In this study, 18 graduate students of Babol university of medical sciences were included and they were divided into two groups of intervention and control. Pre-test was performed in both groups. The intervention group was provided with an electronic content (including theoretical and practical outlines of the workshop) before participating in the workshop. At the end of the workshop and before the OSPE assessment, a post-test was taken from all participants. On the third day of the workshop, the performance of students in practical and laboratory skills of Real time-PCR technique was evaluated using OSPE examination. Findings: Pre-test and post-test scores of the intervention group in both cognitive and skill domains were higher than the control group. High satisfaction of students in each of OSPE stations in both groups indicates their acceptance of this approach. Conclusion: Using the OSPE examination in practical and laboratory courses is a good way to both assess and learn skills.