Strengthening of Skills

Introduction : The Millennium Development Goal 4 & 5 on Improving Maternal and Child Health aims at the reduction of MMR live births in India. Reduction of MMR, IMR, NMR, and TFR are priorities of the Government of India. Various steps have been taken by GOI and the State Governments for accelerating the pace of decline of key indicators and to achieve the goals & targets set under NHM. Improvement and achievements on these goals are possible only if the health care delivery system is strengthened with technically competent health care providers at all levels to deliver critical Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health (RMNCH) services at institutional and outreach levels with universal coverage, equity, and quality. Hence, the capacity building of health care providers to make them proficient in technical skills and knowledge requires key intervention for ensuring the desired outcomes. Strengthening the pre-service and in-service training is also critical for ensuring the quality of services in health facilities. Strengthening pre-service training will further reduce the burden on 'in-service training' .

Overview

Comprehensive Skill Lab with skill stations is designed with the aim of acquisition and upgradation of the skills. A Skills Lab will comprise of skill stations where the trainees learn through practicing skills on mannequins, simulation exercises, demonstration videos, and presentations. The basic objective is the reorientation of the personnel during in-service training and continuing education. The skills lab will be utilized to train and orient the students pursuing B.Sc(N), GNM, ANM and Midwifery courses. The certification will be based on the competencies acquired during the training. The Skill Lab will have dedicated trainers who provide on-site mentoring to ensure practicing of the skills and adherence to the technical protocols acquired by the trainees. The College of Nursing, S.V.B.P Hospital, LLRM Medical college is being developed as Centre of Excellence(the State Nodal Centre) and will have one Skills lab.

Objectives of establishing Skills Lab

A competency is a grouping of elements of knowledge and skills necessary for the effective performance of a job/task. "Competent" staff has the ability the requisite knowledge and skills– to proficiently perform their skills. Competency-based training intends to achieve this objective. The competency-based learning approach provides the learners to practice and acquire clinical skills and also upgrade their knowledge. It allows facilitators to demonstrate the correct steps and allows repetition and feedback to the learners. It permits individualized learning through videos and self-practice on mannequins. The skill stations help in clearly defining the learning outcomes against each activity being demonstrated at different stations. Thus the assessment of the trainees becomes specific for the competencies acquired. This will also help in identifying the trainees who are weak in a particular skill, getting an opportunity to have their skills reinforced through periodic reorientation. Skills Lab is equipped with various skill stations as per the skill requirements. This will also aid in institutionalizing the usage of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)and adherence to technical protocols so that they become a part of routine practice. Such labs have an edge over other didactic methods by providing the opportunity for repetitive skill practice, simulating clinical scenarios under the supervision of a qualified trainer.
1. A Skills Lab facilitates acquisition/reinforcement of key standardized technical skills and knowledge by service providers for RMNCH services.
2. Ensures the availability of skilled personnel at health facilities.
3. Improves the quality of pre-service training provides Continuing Nursing Education / Continuing Medical Education Skills Lab will have dedicated staff members consisting of 11 faculties/trainers and among them, three will be designated as in-charge or Skills Lab coordinator