The Universidade Internacional do Cuanza (UNIC) held a specialized training course in Advanced Clinical Simulation for teachers of the General Nursing course, as part of the CLINICALSIM project.
The main objective of the Erasmus+ Project is to promote the modernization of health education in Angola through the incorporation of advanced educational technologies, innovative learning methodologies, and simulated clinical practices that closely resemble the reality of the hospital environment. According to the dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at UNIC, Dr. Leonardo Hernandez, the training sought to strengthen the pedagogical and clinical skills of the teaching staff, enabling teachers to integrate clinical simulation at all levels of education. “This training will enable our teachers to create scenarios that reproduce real-life hospital situations in order to provide students with safe and contextualized practical learning experiences,” explained the dean.
The training was conducted by Professor Francisco Martín Rodríguez, PhD, from the University of Valladolid in Spain. During the program, teachers participated in intensive practical and theoretical sessions that addressed topics essential for the effective application of clinical simulation, such as:
• Use of high-fidelity equipment capable of reproducing vital signs, physiological reactions, and responses to medical interventions;
• Construction and conduct of realistic clinical scenarios, simulating complex situations that challenge clinical reasoning and decision-making;
• Performance assessment, using standardized criteria to measure students’ ability to apply knowledge in simulated contexts;
• Good safety practices in simulation-based teaching, ensuring that learning takes place in a controlled environment, without risk to students.
Advanced Clinical Simulation is widely recognized as one of the most effective methodologies in health education. By combining theory and practice, it allows for the development of technical skills, critical thinking, clinical decision-making, and teamwork, preparing future professionals to face real challenges in the healthcare system.
The implementation of this training at UNIC reflects the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, pedagogical innovation, and the internationalization of teaching. Through the Erasmus+ Project, the university seeks to create conditions for teachers to train highly qualified, confident, and competent nurses who are able to work efficiently in the various sectors of the Angolan healthcare system.
In addition to the practical sessions, teachers had the opportunity to exchange experiences with international expert Dr. Francisco Rodríguez. This interaction provided a broad overview of international standards in health education and brought new perspectives for adapting methodologies to the Angolan context.
The UNIC faculty showed great enthusiasm and motivation throughout the training, highlighting the relevance of learning for the continuous improvement of educational practices. Many participants emphasized that advanced clinical simulation represents not only a pedagogical tool, but also a differential in the preparation of professionals capable of acting ethically, safely, and effectively.
The success of the Advanced Clinical Simulation training reinforces UNIC’s vision that investing in faculty is investing in the future of Angolan health, strengthening the country’s capacity to train professionals prepared to face the challenges of a constantly evolving sector.
