NTRL conducts preceptorship of sputum smear microscopy trainers for CHDs
Posted on  by Ma. Patricia M. Lansang

The Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), through its National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTRL) Learning and Development Section (LDS), conducted a series of five-day preceptorships to certify regional trainers who have recently completed the course on Training of Trainers on TB Smear Microscopy (SM-TOT).

Regional trainers during their preceptorship at the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development.

Preceptorships are activities conducted by NTRL to assess the competency of SM-TOT trained participants in preparing, conducting, and managing their own training activities within their respective regions. Participants are also assessed on their didactic teaching and practical laboratory demonstration skills and on their delivery of the different training modules of the course. During preceptorships, NTRL trainers also act as technical consultants to the regional trainers, offering feedback and advice throughout the training.

One-on-one session between facilitator and trainer during the preceptorship at Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development.

The first batch preceptorship was conducted from June 19-23 in Tuguegarao City for the Cagayan Valley Region (Region II). The said activity was led by NTRL LDS Program Officer Ms. Angeline Grace A. Sedusta. Three (3) trainers who completed their TOT training last March 20-24, 2023 were assessed for their skills in lecture presentation, conduct of laboratory activities, and overall training management. All the trainers passed the assessment with high commendation on their organization and training management skills.

Regional trainers during lectures for the preceptorship at the Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development and on Basic Microscope Operation and Preventive Maintenance.
Regional trainers during a laboratory demonstration on Basic Microscope Operation and Preventive Maintenance.

For its second and third batches, NTRL assessed participants from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and from Region X (Northern Mindanao) in Baguio City and Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental respectively. For CAR, NTRL Medical Technologist II Ms. Ma. Lyka Padiernos led the preceptorship of two (2) SM-TOT-trained participants from the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center. The trainers have achieved high marks in the assessment and have demonstrated great skills in their ability to handle issues that appear throughout their respective training activities.

Regional trainers at the Northern Mindanao TB Reference Laboratory.

Upon passing, the participants are certified as regional trainers for Smear Microscopy for two years. As certified trainers, they will manage and administer the Training on TB Smear Microscopy course for implementers in their respective areas.

Last March 20-24, 2023, 11 selected participants from the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI), Caraga Region, Ilocos Region, and Cagayan Valley Region, successfully completed the Training of Trainers on TB Smear Microscopy.