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A Strategic Framework for Enhancing Clinical Skills Acquisition and Competency Development Among Students

Haruto Nakamura
Department of Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Research, Kyoto Institute of Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Kyoto, Japan
Nimalka Perera
Department of Wildlife Health and Veterinary Sciences, Colombo Institute of Animal and Biodiversity Studies, Colombo, Sri Lanka
tajvswd 2026
VOL. 8 / NO. 10 OCTOBER
FULL TEXT PP. 1-6
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VOLUME 8
ISSUE 10
YEAR 2026
PAGES 1-6
RESEARCH OVERVIEW

Abstract

Clinical skills acquisition is a fundamental component of professional education, particularly in health-related disciplines where competence directly influences service quality, safety, and professional performance. Despite advancements in educational technologies and competency-based curricula, many institutions continue to face challenges in ensuring consistent development of practical competencies among students. This research and review paper proposes a strategic framework for enhancing clinical skills acquisition and competency development through the integration of deliberate practice, simulation-based learning, flipped classroom pedagogy, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), digital learning resources, and collaborative learning communities. Drawing exclusively from existing literature and professional accreditation standards, the study synthesizes contemporary evidence regarding effective clinical skills education. The findings indicate that structured deliberate practice, supported by simulation laboratories and competency-based assessment systems, significantly improves learner confidence, performance, and long-term retention of clinical competencies. Furthermore, digital learning environments and communities of practice facilitate continuous learning and professional engagement. The proposed framework provides educational institutions with a comprehensive model for developing competent graduates capable of meeting contemporary professional standards. The study contributes to educational scholarship by integrating pedagogical, technological, and assessment-oriented strategies into a unified competency development framework.

RESEARCH TOPICS

Keywords

Clinical Skills Education Competency Development Deliberate Practice

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