INTRODUCTION
Trinity College of Health Sciences (TCHS) has a Clinical Skills Laboratory (CSL) which provides an educational environment designed for healthcare students and professionals.
The CSL has a safe space to practice and refine essential clinical skills. It simulates a clinical setting, allowing learners to develop competencies in a variety of procedures before applying them to real patients.
The CSL at TCHS has five beds (cubicles), but it can be extended up to eight beds. To mimic the hospital setting, the CSL is demarcated into different departments.
USAGE OF THE CLINICAL SKILLS LABORATORY:
- Skill Development: The primary purpose of the CSL is to allow learners to practice clinical procedures in a controlled environment. Learners can take vital signs, administer intramuscular (IM) medications, performing physical examinations, and handling medical instruments just to mention a few.
- Simulation-Based Learning: The CSL often incorporates simulation tools and mannequins to imitate real-life clinical scenarios. These simulations help learners experience patient interactions and practice decision-making in a risk-free environment.
- Interprofessional Education: The CSL is used for collaborative training among different healthcare disciplines, fostering teamwork and communication skills that are crucial in clinical practice.
- Assessment and Feedback: Learners’ performance is often assessed in the CSL, with Lecturers providing immediate feedback. This helps in identifying areas that need improvement and ensuring that students meet the required competencies.
- Continuing Education: For practicing healthcare professionals, the CSL offers opportunities for continuing education and skills refreshment, ensuring they stay updated with current practices and technologies.
MATERIALS IN THE CSL:
- Mannequins and Simulators: Various types of mannequins, basic models simulators, are used to mimic patient anatomy and physiology. These can simulate different conditions, allowing learners to practice a wide range of procedures. However, TCHS has no high-fidelity simulators.
- Medical Instruments: The CSL is equipped with a variety of medical instruments and devices, such as stethoscopes, sphygmomanometers (blood pressure cuffs), otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, thermometers, and more. These tools are essential for practicing routine physical examinations.
- Injection and IV Practice Arms: To help learners gain confidence in performing needle-based procedures, specialized models of arms or hands are used for practicing injections and IV placements.
- Suture Kits and Wound Care Models: Kits containing suture materials and models with simulated wounds are provided for practicing suturing techniques, wound closure, and wound care management.
- CPR Mannequins: Mannequins designed for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training allow learners to practice life-saving techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing.
- Diagnostic Equipment: The CSL contains diagnostic tools like glucometers, which are used for teaching and practicing diagnostic procedures. However, it does not have ECG machines and ultrasound devices.
- Pharmacological Supplies: Mock medications, syringes, and other supplies are available for practicing drug administration, including oral, intravenous, and intramuscular routes.
- PPE and Safety Equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns, and hand sanitizers are provided to teach proper hygiene and safety protocols.
- Documentation Tools: Materials for charting and documentation, such as forms, are used to practice accurate and efficient patient documentation.
Educational Resources: The lab is often stocked with textbooks, procedure guides, and audiovisual aids that learners can reference during practice sessions.
CLINICAL PRACTICE
When the learners have been observed and assessed to be competent through skills check off, are deployed to different District Hospitals for clinical practicum.
TCHS allocate its students to the following District Hospitals;
- Thyolo DHO
- Mulanje DHO
- Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital
- Chiradzulu DHO
- Machinga DHO
- Balaka DHO
- Ntcheu DHO
- Mwanza DHO
- Chikwawa DHO
- Nsanje DHO
- Mangochi
CONCLUSION
The clinical skills laboratory ensures that learners develop the necessary skills, confidence, and competence needed to provide high-quality patient care without fear when caring for real patients.
