We propose a new video system with four cameras aimed in different directions for use in objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) to 1) minimize the examiner's burden and 2) standardize the examiner's evaluation. The system consists of four charge-coupled device video cameras, several microphones, and a video tape recorder. The OSCE of each student was recorded with four cameras simultaneously aimed in different directions so that the student's performance could be viewed and evaluated at the examiner's convenience. Two trials for this system were undertaken at different times. More than 80% of those participating in the trials thought that this system was useful for examining the basic skills of medical students as part of the OSCE, and more than 70% thought that the system would increase educational efficacy. This system may improve the reliability and efficiency of OSCE.

To assess the effectiveness of a problem-based learning tutorial system introduced at Gifu University School of Medicine in 1995, we conducted a questionnaire survey of medical knowledge, attitudes about learning, communication ability, and social behavior in sixth-year medical students. The questionnaire was given to instructors and attending physicians at community hospitals who were involved in clinical education. Many of the evaluators felt that students who trained with the tutorial system showed improved understanding, a more active attitude toward learning, and a better attitude toward patients than did students who received traditional, lecture-based education.

The Common Achievement Tests Organization performed the first nationwide trial of computer-based testing (CBT) used to assess students entering the clinical phase of medical education. Seventy-seven medical schools participated in the trial. We compared performance on the national CBT with performance on preclinical tests administered at Gifu University School of Medicine. Despite some methodologic differences between the national CBT and our system, the overall results correlated well. Students who did poorly on the national CBT also did poorly on Gifu University's preclinical test. Correlation of these two performance scales suggests that nationwide CBT could be used to accurately assess preclinical skills.