The International University of Cuanza (UNIC) held the first thesis defenses for the Faculty of Health Sciences, a moment that marks a historic milestone in the institution’s growth and consolidation within Angola’s higher education system.
The defenses, for the Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, brought together faculty members, members of the examination committees, students, and family members in an atmosphere characterized by scientific and academic rigor. During the presentations, senior students demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and research abilities they had developed throughout their studies, addressing topics relevant to improving healthcare and strengthening the national healthcare system.
Among the projects presented was that of student Paulina de Jesus Simile Cristóvão, who defended the topic “Medication Errors and Negligence in Care Associated with Burnout Syndrome: Clinical Simulation as a Preventive Strategy.”
According to the student, her choice of topic was directly related to the experience she gained during her studies and her exposure to ClinicalSim, a clinical simulation project that, in her opinion, serves as an important tool for familiarizing students with the situations they may encounter in their professional practice.
“The ClinicalSim project is very enriching and offers students the chance to prepare for real-life situations without harming patients. I was able to experience the adrenaline rush of real-life situations, such as urgent and emergency care, and I believe all students need that,” explained Paulina Cristóvão.
The student also highlighted the importance of clinical simulation given the reality of the Angolan healthcare system, particularly in Bié Province. For Paulina, the use of simulated environments allows for the identification, analysis, and addressing of the various challenges faced by healthcare professionals, which contributes to a more thorough preparation of future nurses.
“Based on the reality of our country and, in particular, the province of Bié, I’ve realized that ClinicalSim is a way to address various problems within the healthcare system,” she stated.
The choice of topic was also influenced by the student’s observations during her internship. According to Paulina, her interactions with professionals from different hospital units made her aware of situations related to healthcare professionals’ mental health and burnout syndrome, which can contribute to errors in patient care.
“During my internship, I assessed the mental health of healthcare professionals in the and other hospital units and realized that many were experiencing burnout and, as a result, were making medication errors. When I realized this, I understood that clinical simulation would be a topic of great importance,” she explained.
The research presented therefore aims to establish a relationship between healthcare professionals’ occupational health, the occurrence of medication errors, and the need to develop preventive strategies through clinical simulation. This approach underscores the importance of preparing students not only from a technical standpoint but also to manage high-pressure, urgent, and emergency situations that are part of the reality of nursing practice.
During her presentation, the student also took the opportunity to express her gratitude to the School of Health Sciences and its dean, Professor Leonardo Hernández, for the support she has received throughout her academic career.
The first thesis defenses at the Faculty of Health Sciences represent a significant milestone for UNIC, as they highlight the results of the educational process initiated by the institution and the ability of its students to conduct research focused on specific societal problems.
This milestone also reinforces the International University of Cuanza’s commitment to higher education grounded in scientific knowledge, pedagogical innovation, and the preparation of professionals capable of contributing to the improvement of the quality of healthcare services.
The Faculty of Health Sciences has played a fundamental role in training professionals capable of contributing to the improvement of the quality of the country’s health services, by educating nurses with technical skills, a critical mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility.
CLINICALSIM training project aimed at higher education institutions in Angola, funded by the European Union, whose objective is to strengthen the practical training of nursing students and develop the essential competencies for their professional practice.
The methodology combines simulation rooms, digital multimedia tools, and interaction with real patients, drawing on experiential learning, reflective practice, and post-activity analysis. The project also includes a “service-learning” component focused on social responsibility, care for people in situations of socioeconomic and health vulnerability, and the promotion of healthy eating habits.
At UNIC, the CLINICALSIM methodology has been approved at the institutional level and has already been integrated into several courses. The increase in practical hours, the implementation of advanced clinical simulations, and the “service-learning” initiatives reflect the institution’s commitment to pedagogical innovation and the continuous improvement of training for future healthcare professionals.
