TY - JOUR
T1 - Training needs assessment for a Bachelor of Science program in eye care at the University of Rwanda
AU - Kagwiza, Jeanne N.
AU - Ekemiri, Kingsley
AU - Mumena, Chrispinus Hakimu
AU - Tumusiime, David K.
AU - Kitema, Gatera Fiston
AU - Twiringirimana, Francois Regis
AU - Uwisunze, Marie Josee
AU - Ransford, Darko
AU - Uwacu, Didier Fidele
AU - Ugirashebuja, Swamadu
AU - Ndayambaje, Denys
N1 - Funding: Special acknowledgement to the Fred Hollows Foundation that funded this project.
PY - 2021/12/30
Y1 - 2021/12/30
N2 - Background The University of Rwanda, established the Ophthalmology Department in 2004 to train Ophthalmic Clinical Officers (OCO). A proposal was developed towards upgrading the qualification level of the OCOs training at the University of Rwanda. Aim This study aimed to assess the need to upgrade the qualification of ophthalmic clinical officers to improve eye health services in Rwanda. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 87 participants comprised of ophthalmic clinical officers, eye health development stakeholders, and employers in Rwanda selected purposively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results The results showed that 77% of participants in the stakeholders group and 51.4% in the OCOs group were males. About 97% (n= 34) of the OCO responded “Yes” to the questions “Do you think some of the weaknesses related to quality practice are related to the level of training?” and “Does your qualification have any effect to your professional development?” Furthermore, 85% had never been promoted at any employment position, 100 % (n=35) alumni and 84 % (n=22) stakeholders agreed that there is a need for bachelor’s degree program. Conclusion The need for developing new programs in ophthalmology including a Bachelor of Science degree program for OCOs was evident. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(3):357-365.
AB - Background The University of Rwanda, established the Ophthalmology Department in 2004 to train Ophthalmic Clinical Officers (OCO). A proposal was developed towards upgrading the qualification level of the OCOs training at the University of Rwanda. Aim This study aimed to assess the need to upgrade the qualification of ophthalmic clinical officers to improve eye health services in Rwanda. Methodology A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 87 participants comprised of ophthalmic clinical officers, eye health development stakeholders, and employers in Rwanda selected purposively. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16. Results The results showed that 77% of participants in the stakeholders group and 51.4% in the OCOs group were males. About 97% (n= 34) of the OCO responded “Yes” to the questions “Do you think some of the weaknesses related to quality practice are related to the level of training?” and “Does your qualification have any effect to your professional development?” Furthermore, 85% had never been promoted at any employment position, 100 % (n=35) alumni and 84 % (n=22) stakeholders agreed that there is a need for bachelor’s degree program. Conclusion The need for developing new programs in ophthalmology including a Bachelor of Science degree program for OCOs was evident. Rwanda J Med Health Sci 2021;4(3):357-365.
KW - Allied Eye Health professional
KW - Ophthalmic clinical officers
KW - Ophthalmology
KW - Optometry
KW - Rwanda
U2 - 10.4314/rjmhs.v4i3.5
DO - 10.4314/rjmhs.v4i3.5
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85176745439
SN - 2616-9819
VL - 4
SP - 357
EP - 365
JO - Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
JF - Rwanda Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences
IS - 3
ER -