The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo (seated at the center) together with Malteser International delegates and other MMUST staff.
Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) has officially launched a State of the Art high-fidelity simulation center courtesy of a collaboration with Malteser International. This center, which was launched on 22nd November, 2023, will provide holistic training to students pursuing health programs and enhance training in Emergency Medical Services. The project is steered by the Chairperson, Paramedical Science Department Dr. Tecla Sum.
This ultra-modern simulation center has been equipped with sophisticated mannequins that mimic human anatomy and physiology. The high-fidelity patient simulators are computerized, contain hydraulics and compressors and have external monitors which display various physiological functions. This enables the operator to view the progress of the procedure and make changes to the simulator as a learning session progresses. Similarly, learners are enabled to follow ongoing procedures from different rooms within the center.
A team of delegates from Malteser International (MI) led by the Health Program Manager, Ms. Joy China, who is steering the MMUST-MI collaboration, visited the University to officially launch the simulation center. She was accompanied by Malteser International Country Coordinator- Mr. Martin Schoemburg, an Officer at Malteser International- Mr. Robert Pampula, and representatives from the German Embassy, Nairobi and German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development- Mr. Christian Friedeman and Ms. Justine Ye respectively.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo presenting an award to Ms. Justine Ye from Germany Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development.
They paid a courtesy call to the office of the Vice Chancellor before proceeding with the launch of the project. Speaking during the bilateral meeting, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Shibairo expressed gratitude to the MI team, adding that the University is grateful for this project because it will not only enhance the quality of health training at MMUST, but will also make the institution the major training hub for emergency professionals in the country.
Reiterating the Vice Chancellor, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Planning, Research and Innovation), Prof. Charles Mutai pointed out that with the increasing use of technology in healthcare, and higher public and patient expectations have both encouraged the development and the use of innovative educational methods in healthcare education. The Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and Student Affairs), Prof. Hussein Golicha noted that digital health is the way to go. “The higher the fidelity, the more likely the students will overcome disbelief that is often associated with emergency rooms. Ultimately, this culminates into more knowledgeable and confident healthcare practitioners that MMUST will release to the job industry,” said Prof. Golicha.
Representing the Dean of the School of Nursing, Midwifery and Paramedical Sciences (SONMAPS), Ms. Sharon Kosgey thanked the MI team for elevating learning experiences for our students. Equally, the representative of the Chairperson Paramedical Science Department- Mr. Simon Ogana noted that the Department is now well equipped in terms of equipment and supplies, adding that they are now able to offer simulation training effectively because of the availability of equipment. He further thanked their partners and the University Management for the support they have accorded them. Malteser International has also offered training on Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support to SONMAPS staff and students.
A group of MMUST Paramedics students demonstrating a procedure on a high-fidelity manikin.
Commenting on the impact of the simulation center, Ms. Dinah Okwiri one of the clinical instructors at the simulation center stated that the laboratory has offered the students a hospital set up and enabled them to acquire an ideal patient management. One of the students- Ms. Orpha Jepngetich (a fourth year student set to graduate in December 2023) attested to the all-inclusive learning experience they have attained through the simulation laboratory.
“The high-fidelity simulation has provided us with an opportunity to improve team communication, team dynamics, values, and behaviors needed for safe and effective patient care,” she confirmed.
One of the students, Ms. Orpha Jepngetich (a fourth year student set to graduate in December 2023) demonstrating a procedure at the simulation center.
The center is also a learning space for students pursuing Medicine, Public Health and Nursing. The other notable staff from the School present included Prof. Gladys Mengich, Prof. Lt. Col. (Rtd) John Martin Okoth, Prof. Tom Were, Ms. Beatrice Mukabana, Ms. Lydia Nyachiro and Ms. Dorris Marera.
Ms. Justine Ye explaining a point at the launch.
In order to address healthcare performance gaps, simulation has been recommended as an effective educational strategy that addresses the growing ethical issues around 'practicing' on human patients. It also provides an effective way to increase patient safety, decrease the incidence of error and improve clinical judgment. In addition, high-fidelity manikins create more realistic clinical scenarios and thus aid the learner.
By Linet Owuor and Shiundu Masafu
