Electronic distance based clinical skills training development in family medicine in Namibia

Abstract

Workplace-based evaluation is one of the most important, but challenging aspects of medical education. The aim was to improve the assessment of the rural community-based clinical training for undergraduate 3rd and 4th year family medicine students at the University of Namibia (UNAM) and implement a paperless process. An online module was developed on the Moodle platform to include a study guide, an electronic portfolio, and electronic resources (e-books and apps) to replace the current paper version of the logbook. We explored local resources by engaging with students and clinical trainers on how to best conduct the initial implementation. Engagement also entailed motivating students to actively participate in the implementation process. All 3rd and 4th year community-based education end service (COBES) students are now submitting proof of clinical learning electronically with the use of their phones in their online portfolio and using online resources. In addition, students in the practical family medicine module that has been introduced in the 6th year since 2023 are now also using an electronic portfolio and these assessment tools.

Contribution: Overall feedback from students and supervisors indicates a positive atmosphere of learning and constructive feedback on performance from all team members, hopefully improving work-based assessments and ultimately patient care. More members of the primary health care team were involved and the carbon footprint has also been decreased.