Abstract
Background: Optometry training in KwaZulu-Natal has embraced a decentralised approach in keeping with other health professions. Decentralised clinical training enables health science students to gain clinical exposure at public hospitals during their undergraduate training using a service learning strategy. The perspectives of key stakeholders in this collaborative agreement between the provincial department of health and local academic institutions were unexplored. Aim: The research aimed to explore KwaZulu-Natal’s public sector optometrists’ perspectives on decentralised clinical training in optometry. Setting: This study involves optometrists employed within public health facilities in KwaZulu-Natal. Methods: The research followed a qualitative design. Sampling was purposive, with the sample population including all public sector-employed optometrists within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health. Questionnaires were used to collect data, which were thematically analysed to gain insight into participants’ perspectives relating to the decentralised clinical training (DCT) in optometry. Results: In KwaZulu-Natal, DCT in optometry as a revised clinical training strategy is generally supported by public sector optometrists. It presents opportunities for expanded access to eye care for public sector patients and a mutual learning opportunity between students and practitioners. However, resources required for comprehensive optometric assessments are significantly lacking within the public health sector. Training for public sector optometrists who would be expected to serve as clinical educators was also an identified need. Conclusion: While there are various challenges facing optometry practice within the public health sector in KwaZulu-Natal, decentralised clinical training holds promise for the improved eye care service capacity in KwaZulu-Natal.
Highlights
Health professions and education models are changing globally
Training models are increasingly becoming diversified and decentralised, so that training for health professionals is integrated into the health system and accountable to communities.[1]
All optometrists employed within the public health sector were invited personally when visiting the pilot Decentralised clinical training (DCT) facilities or via email to participate in the study
Summary
Health professions and education models are changing globally. Historical models of training were largely anchored in urban-based academic centres. Training models are increasingly becoming diversified and decentralised, so that training for health professionals is integrated into the health system and accountable to communities.[1]. Optometry education was started in 1924 in South Africa by a group of British-trained practitioners. Most earlier programmes were modelled against programmes from developed countries, where clinical training was centralised with a limited exposure to rural or underserved communities.[3]. Optometry training in KwaZulu-Natal has embraced a decentralised approach in keeping with other health professions. Decentralised clinical training enables health science students to gain clinical exposure at public hospitals during their undergraduate training using a service learning strategy.
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