The investigators will use a multi-methods approach, including both qualitative and quantitative methods. In the quantitative methodology, the investigators will use a before and after approach to compare medical student grades/scores before and after the integration of Simulation based learning (SBL) in the curriculum. The hypothesis is that SBL will generally increase knowledge and skills and hence improve the scores from the theory (MCQ) and clinical (OSCE) examinations conducted outside simulated settings in the clinical departments.
Simulation faculty development will be measured by retention and engagement in simulation sessions. The investigators will use survival analysis methods and plot Kaplan Meier curves to calculate probability of retention and determine the factors that are associated with retention as derived from participant in-depth interviews and departmental meetings. A faculty member will be considered disengaged if they do not participate in simulation session for at least 6 months post training, despite reminders and opportunities for participation. Reasons for potential disengagement will be explored qualitatively. In the qualitative approach, the investigators will conduct in-depth key informant interviews (45 minutes to 1 hour) with administrators at the institution, namely Academic Registrar, Deans of Medical School, heads of Departments and Simulation facilitators (the post-graduate student trainers). The investigators will conduct focus group discussions (1 hour) with postgraduate simulation facilitators, the medical and nursing students before, during and after their enrollment in SBL. The interviews and focus group discussions will be audio-recorded and transcribed.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
400
Learning for medical students using simulation based techniques including scenario execution as a complement to conventional teaching methodologies
Mbarara University of Science and Technology
Mbarara, Uganda
RECRUITINGAcademic performance
Change in CGPA scores Before and after introduction of simulation based techniques
Time frame: 36 months after introduction of simulation based techniques
Retention of academic faculty
Percentage of faculty retained in the training program
Time frame: 2 years after initiation of simulation based learning
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