Implementing a skillslab training program in a developing country.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Skills Training

Background:

• Eight skills laboratories (skillslabs) were established in Vietnam with international support.
• A national list of basic medical skills for training was developed, alongside equipment and trained staff.
• The study assessed the implementation of these skills across eight Vietnamese medical schools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the extent to which eight Vietnamese medical schools implemented a national list of basic clinical skills.
• To identify barriers and facilitators to skillslab utilization in Vietnam's largest medical school.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of reports from eight skills laboratories.
• Surveys of students and trainers at the largest university regarding training quality.
• Assessment of student skill performance and focus group discussions with trainers.
• Quantitative data analyzed using SPSS 16 with cluster analysis.

Main Results:

• Only one of the eight medical schools successfully trained all 56 proposed basic skills.
• The largest university's skillslab training was largely successful, based on student assessments and perceptions.
• Identified barriers included insufficient training aids, inappropriate models, unclear skill requirements, inadequate training time, and need for curriculum integration.

Conclusions:

• The success of one school suggests broader potential for implementing the national skills list in Vietnam.
• Significant challenges remain for most medical schools in fully realizing the national skillslab training program.
• Resource limitations and curriculum integration are key issues for developing countries in medical education.