Establishing Multidisciplinary Clinical Vocational Centres of Excellence: An Interprofessional Clinical Training Approach in Zambia

Abstract

Background In Zambia, the rapid expansion of health training institutions has outpaced available infrastructure and teaching staff, creating significant challenges in healthcare training. Clinical teaching and learning opportunities on actual patients are limited, as patients are more informed, have higher expectations, and often decline to participate in bedside education. This situation makes it difficult for students to gain the required clinical skills. Clinical skills laboratories have emerged as a vital solution, offering a safe and supportive environment. Many training institutions cannot adequately equip their skills labs despite their importance, as mannequins and models are often too costly. Summary of Work SolidarMed established and operationalised two Vocational Centres of Excellence (VCE) at Kabwe Central and Kafue General Hospitals to address these challenges. Each VCE has an e-learning suite, basic and advanced skills labs, and multipurpose halls. Additionally, a multidisciplinary preceptorship (MDP) training was implemented for healthcare educators to enhance their teaching and mentorship capacity. Results The VCEs have already demonstrated notable early impacts. In 2024, there were over 12,000 learning encounters, with about 140 trained multidisciplinary preceptors. Healthcare educators have shown improved attitudes toward student teaching, with many reporting increased confidence and enthusiasm and stronger collaboration and communication. Healthcare training infrastructure and access to information, communication, and technology have expanded. Conclusion The VCEs provide high-quality, standardised environments for healthcare training, addressing critical gaps in clinical education. However, challenges such as limited equipment and insufficient funds persist. We recommend that the Ministry of Health adopt this model and enact a policy for all training institutions.