[01] Margaret Kaseje, Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development, Kisumu, Kenya. [02] Elizabeth Ochieng, Tropical Institute of Community Health and Development, Kisumu, Kenya. [03] Stephen Okeyo, USAID|FUNZO Kenya Transforming Health Workforce Training Project, Intra Health International, Nairobi, Kenya. [04] Peter Shikuku, USAID|FUNZO Kenya Transforming Health Workforce Training Project, Intra Health International, Nairobi, Kenya.

Background: Clinical placement involves supervised practices and mentorship of students in approved teaching institutions. Critical skills competence is developed during this period of training at health facilities. Objective: This study aimed to find out existing capacities and clinical placement practices in order to improve clinical skills for health workers. Method: In 2013 an assessment of clinical skills training and placement practices for mid-level health workers was undertaken in 43 government, faith-based and private institutions in Kenya. The cross-sectional study used qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data from 434 purposively selected respondents. Chi - square tests were performed to determine relationships between study variables. Results: The quality of clinical placement had a statistically significant association with the health services offered at the clinical placement sites. Human resource in terms of professional qualifications of trainers was associated with the competence attained by trainees and quality of clinical placement. Infrastructure, policy guidelines, linkages and coordination were important to placements. Conclusion: This study illustrates the need to adopt a standardized optimum clinical placement model to guide training institutions and to ensure quality clinical placement.

Clinical Placement, Health Workers, Mentorship

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