Reflections on initiatives to optimise the impact of a clinical skills lab in promoting learning

Abstract

As part of a recent major curriculum review the need for improved clinical skills training was highlighted by students, recent graduates and employers. Therefore, a new Clinical Skills Laboratory (CSL) was opened in 2012, which is now used for teaching throughout the five year curriculum. It is run by a dedicated team who have developed a wide range of innovative models and supporting learning resources. Our reflections on initiatives that promote learning include: 1. Embed formal teaching in the timetable to ensure all students have opportunities to develop practical and clinical skills at the most advantageous times e.g. prior to workplacements and rotations. However, there can be challenges for staffing and schedules. 2. Operate an open-access policy to give students multiple opportunities to practise and at times that best support their learning needs. A set of CSL ‘House Rules’ helps ensure students sign up to safe working practices e.g. no lone-working. 3. Involve recent graduates in development of learning resources; they know what students really need to support their learning and for the transition into practice. 4. Develop instruction booklets to enable students to learn skills, step-by-step. Including ‘how to reset the station’ is invaluable as it means the CSL remains tidy and all stations are always ready for the next learner. 5. Tips from colleagues in the online forum ‘Veterinary Clinical Skills’ (www.noviceproject.eu) are invaluable. 6. Ultimately, assessment drives learning - so Objective Structured Clinical Examinations are a must.