Improving administrative functions to promote practical skill acqillsition in school of Orthopedic medicine, Mulago

Abstract

This study was conducted from Uganda Institute of Allied Health and Management Sciences located at Mulago Hill Kampala City. The aim of the study was to promote practical skills acquisition through improving administrative functions in the School of Orthopaedic Medicine. It was guided by the following objectives namely to; examine the teaching and learning processes employed to training students in practical skills; identify the gaps that existed in the teaching-learning processes and set objectives for improving practical skill acquisition; implement the objectives towards improving practical skill acquisition and; evaluate the implemented activities to assess the outcome on practical skill acquisition. Using a participatory action research design the researcher identified gaps in practical skills training, set and implemented the objectives. The implementation focused on improving administrative functions which were later evaluated using a participatory approach. Data was collected using interviews, focus group discussions and observations. Data was analyzed under three main themes namely; coordination, supervision and motivation. The findings showed that coordination activities resulted in an improvement in the working relationship among teaching and clinical staff as well as students as seen in increased flow of information, improved ethical conduct among clinical staff and students, and reduction in absenteeism. Supervision was achieved through appointing clinical mentors, involvement of students in the leadership during practicum, increase in contact time between clinical mentors and students and empowerment of students to actively participate in clinical activities. It was observed that these activates motivated the students and clinical mentors which resulted in active participation of students and clinical mentors in the clinical placement. The overall outcome of improving administrative function was active participation of clinical mentors and students during patients care exhibited by the students' ability to perform less complex tasks without direct supervisor guidance. The study recommends sustained dialogue through periodic meetings among stakeholders as precursor to effective coordination and supervision of students during practical placement.