OPTOMETRY STUDENTS PERSPECTIVES OF THE EXTERNSHIP CLINICAL TRAINING

ABSTRACT

The externship clinical training is a program that allows training of the students outside the school based- clinic with the purpose of exposing the students to more clinical training in different professional settings. The study is a questionnaire based qualitative study, carried out to assess the students' perspectives on the clinical program as regards benefits, shortcomings, and possible areas of improvement. A total of Eighty (80) participants within the age range of 16 - 30years comprising of both males and females participated in this study. Participants were selected using the Convenient sampling technique. Data analysis shows that most respondents worked under optometrists (72.5%) and within Edo state (63.7%). In response to accommodation, majority were not provided accommodation (57.5%). Training site equipment was found to be adequate and in good working condition (96.3%) and that these aspects enhanced clinical training (80%).On data analysis, using the chi - square test, there was a statistically significant difference in responses based on supervisors’ approach (p<0.05). Clinical training in Ocular pathology was found to be better than training in other areas of specialty (64.9%). A positive impact was agreed by the respondents on important critical cross-field outcomes including self- confidence (93.8%), time management (80%) and clinical knowledge (86.3%). In conclusion, the externship clinical training facilitated overall positive experiences with response to facilities, clinical training especially in Ocular pathology with supervisors playing an important role in the learning process.