Speedwell Software
Modernising Assessment at an African Medical School: How Exam Management Software Streamlined Processes
We’ve been quite amazed by the data and what it revealed, it’s allowed us to have greater insight into what is working and identify areas where action is needed – it’s very revealing
With an ambitious goal to transform healthcare education and delivery across Africa and beyond, the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) sought the help of Speedwell’s eSystem exam management software to help.
The Challenge
Preparing future healthcare professionals requires assessment systems that can match the complexity of modern medical training. At the University of Global Health Equity, this challenge became more pressing as the MBBS-MGHD programme expanded, combining clinical education with a strong focus on global health delivery and equity.
Initially, assessments were managed using a combination of Word documents, Excel files, Google Forms and the University’s Learning Management System (LMS). While sufficient in the early stages, this approach had clear limitations. There was no central question bank, limited visibility of exam history, and reduced control over access to sensitive materials, making both administration and security increasingly difficult to manage.
The Opportunity
The team were using a variety of manual processes to coordinate multiple stations, candidates and examiners. This resulted in inefficiencies and limited the ability to generate meaningful post-exam insight. OSCEs and practical clinical examinations are complex to set-up and manage, and it became clear that a more structured approach was needed. UGHE required a single system to streamline delivery and strengthen the processes, whilst maintaining full control.
Digital Transformation
Working with Speedwell, UGHE implemented the eSystem to support both MCQ and OSCE assessments, including a high-stakes 15-station exit exam. Pilots were used with both students and examiners to build familiarity and ensure confidence ahead of the live assessments.
The software’s flexibility was particularly important. Online delivery was supported with safeguards to handle brief connectivity loss, while offline contingency options were prepared for OSCE stations. Something particularly important for the team, as the internet can be unreliable in the region.
Real-time audit functionality also gave staff full visibility of activity during the exam, enabling prompt resolution of any issues.
The Impact
Implementing the eSystem significantly improved exam processes and delivery and reduced reliance on disconnected systems. Question banking, exam setup and reporting are now managed centrally, improving both efficiency and control.
Post-exam analysis is now immediate, with detailed data available. This has removed the need for manual collation and enabled deeper insight into student performance, supporting both academic improvement and research activity.
Feedback processes are also more structured, with greater potential to support student learning. Dr Olayinka, Assistant Professor, UGHE School of Medicine, reveals how the whole team have been delighted:
“We’ve been quite amazed by the data and what it revealed, it’s allowed us to have greater insight into what is working and identify areas where action is needed – it’s very revealing”
UGHE is now extending the use of the eSystem across formative and summative assessments, with wider adoption under consideration.
Read the full case study here
