Objective To determine the effect of objective structured clinical examination （OSCE） in teaching of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods A total of 104 PD patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group, with 52 in each.Both groups were given standardized teaching and they were asked to complete theoretical and technical tests before discharge.Patients in the observation group were additionally required to finish OSCE.All patients were followed up for 6 months and their theoretical and technical performance, self-management ability and incidence of peritonitis were compared between the two groups. Results Forty-seven patients in the control group and fifty in the observation group completed the study.Self-management ability at 3 and 6 months post-discharge, theoretical test score, the scores of fluid removal and exit site care in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group （P＜0.05 for all）.There were no significant differences in the occurrence and time to the first PD peritonitis episode between the two groups （P＞0.05 for both）. Conclusion Application of OSCE in teaching of PD patients can improve their self-management ability and technical performance. However, the effect on peritonitis needs further study.