Interactive Subject Content, Learner Engagement and Clinical Skills Acquisition of Students at Kenya Medical Training College Campuses’ in Rift Valley, Kenya

Abstract

Purpose: The training of competent healthcare professionals remains a critical mandate of health education institutions, particularly in contexts such as Kenya where significant skills gaps persist among healthcare workers. Blended learning approaches incorporating interactive subject content (ISC) have the potential to enhance learner engagement (LE) and improve clinical skills acquisition (CSA). However, limited empirical evidence exists on the relationships among these variables. This study aimed to assess the effect of ISC on CSA and examine the mediating role of LE among students in Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) campuses in the Rift Valley region. Methodology: A cross-sectional study design was employed targeting 5,519 students and 9 heads of departments (HODs) across nine KMTC campuses. A sample of 373 students was selected using stratified random sampling, while all 9 HODs were purposively included. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and key informant interviews and analyzed using regression and mediation analysis techniques. Findings: Interactive subject content significantly and positively predicted clinical skills acquisition (β = 0.758, p < 0.0001, 95% CI: 0.672–0.845). Learner engagement partially mediated the relationship between ISC and CSA (β = 0.334, 95% CI: 0.202–0.457), indicating that while ISC directly enhances CSA, its effect is strengthened through improved learner engagement. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Despite the demonstrated effectiveness of interactive subject content in enhancing clinical skills acquisition both directly and through increased learner engagement, gaps persist in the optimal integration of learner-centered strategies within blended learning environments. The findings underscore the pivotal role of learner engagement in strengthening skill acquisition and highlight the need for deliberate incorporation of interactive content in medical training. Enhancing curriculum design, learner-centered instructional approaches and institutional policies to support blended learning, while prioritizing interactivity and engagement, may improve the competence of healthcare trainees in Kenya.