Repurposing asynchronous video interview software for virtual pharmacy OSCEs during the COVID-19 pandemic

<jats:p>Background: The COVID-19 pandemic required pharmacy educators to seek creative and innovative ways of delivering learning outcomes in the virtual environment. Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs) have been particularly challenging to deliver online.Objective: To explore the use of asynchronous video interview software as a platform for virtual OSCEs in pharmacy education, and for conducting brief structured research interviews.Method: Fourth year Bachelor of Pharmacy students at an Australian university, were interviewed via asynchronous video interview software (Big Interview) about their perceptions of using the platform for virtual OSCEs.Results: 37 students (92.5%) used Big Interview to complete at least one summative OSCE case during a team-based simulation. Seven research interviews were recorded by six students. Positive comments focussed on facilitation of self-reflection and self-correction in patient questioning and counselling. Negative views concerned the lack of authenticity, including the robotic and artificial nature of interactions.Conclusion: Asynchronous video interview software for pharmacy OSCEs may assist formative learning and self-reflection, offering an adjunct to, but not replacement of, in-person communication</jats:p>