Table 2.

Exemplary OSCE evaluation sheet for transthoracic echocardiography apical four-chamber view

Task	Task points	Points achieved	Max. Points
1. Probe Handling and patient guidance			10
- Orientation
• Correct or directly checked independently by image movement or coupling	2
• Corrected after initial difficulties or upon request	1
• Only with manual assistance	0
- Positioning
• Correct, or directly transferred from another view with optimal pivoting	2
• Corrected after initial difficulties or upon request	1
• Only with manual assistance	0
- Coupling
• Coupling with gel and pressure variation	2
• Corrected after initial difficulties or upon request	1
• Missing use of gel or pressure, probe not connected with skin or uncontrolled pressure on xiphoid/ribs	0
- Adequate amplification
• Adequate and independent adjustment of amplification	2
• Corrected after initial difficulties or upon request	1
• No adequate amplification adjustment despite request	0
- Guiding of the patient
• Positioning on the subject’s left side	1
• Left arm bended beneath head	1
2. Examination			18
- Standard view anatomical structures
• Correct view (without assistance) of
o both ventricles, atria and atrioventricular valves	6
o Perpendicular septum	2
o Apex in 12 o’clock direction	2
o Maximum ventricle extension (no foreshortening)	2
• Correct view only with verbal assistance	4
• Correct view only with manual assistance	2
• Standard view cannot be displayed despite manual assistance	0
- Standard view measurement
• Correct pulsed wave doppler measurement with
o sample volume at mitral valve level
o correct flow profile	2
• Correct measurement only with manual assistance	2
• Incorrect measurement despite manual assistance	0
3. (Correct) Image description/explanation			4
- Ventricle left/right	1
- Interventricular septum	1
- Aortic and mitral valve	2
4. Overall Performance			8
- Confident	8
	7
	6
	5
	4
	3
	2
- Marked deficits	1
Total score			40