A2. BACKGROUND

The Need of Innovative and Comprehensive Change in Education and Training

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong approved Resolution No. 29-NQ/TW at 8^th Plenum of the 11^th Party Central Committee regarding Innovative and comprehensive change in education and training to meet the national need of industrialization and modernization in socialist-oriented market economy and international integration.

MOH Promulgated Competency Standards for Healthcare Providers

• Promulgated “Basic competency standards for General practitioners”: On May 18^th, 2015, Ministry of Health approved Resolution No. 1854/QD-BYT regarding “Basic competency standards for General practitioners”.
• Promulgated “Basic competency standards for Midwives in Vietnam”: On January 24^th, 2014, Ministry of Health approved Resolution No. 342/QD-BYT regarding “Basic competency standards for Midwives in Vietnam”.
• Promulgated “Basic competency standards for Nurses in Vietnam”: On April 24^th, 2012, Ministry of Health approved Resolution No. 1352/QD-BYT regarding “Basic competency standards for Nurses in Vietnam”.

The Time for International Integration

Asian Integration on December 31^st, 2015 is both an important opportunity and challenge for medical training institutes. It required appropriate changes to meet developmental movement. If we do not use this opportunity and overcome the challenges, education will be lag behind.

The Need of Formation and Development of International Accreditation “Clinical Simulation Center” in Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam

There are approximately 50 international accreditation “Clinical Simulation Center” around the world. They are mostly in developed countries like United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Holland, etc. In Vietnam, almost every great University of Medicine and Pharmacy has established Preclinical medical skills training unit/department (Skillslab) or in some University, “Clinical simulation Center”. However, these units have not been in international accreditation and always have to face challenges, such as: staff members (with professionalism) and faculty members are not standardized; simulation facilities and equipment are not synchronized; the lack of methods, operational procedures of the Center, etc. Even though several Universities have enough aspirations and capital expenses, they cannot establish effective and international accreditation “clinical simulation center”.

Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine was established in 1989. It is a multidisciplinary University of Medicine and an integral component of the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. “Clinical Skills Training Unit” was established in March, 2005.  Throughout 13 years (2005-2018) of four operational stages, this Center has achieved its assigned mission. There are multiple innovative solutions to address new challenges, such as the lack of senior staff members, facilities and equipment, etc.

Afterwards, CECICS was a leading “Clinical simulation center” among Universities and Colleges in Vietnam as a consequence of City authorities, Department of Health in Ho Chi Minh City, Party Committee and Administrator Officers of UNPT. Medical Students, Nurses, Midwives, Medical Technology Students, and Postgraduate Students always have the best training experience at the Center, especially with Simulation labs, OSCE rooms, Self-learning rooms, etc.