The Clinical Skills Assistant (CSA) volunteer project is an initiative that addresses the lack of consistent opportunities for medical students to carry out clinical skills. Medical students will be recruited as volunteers to work short shifts within Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Emergency Department (ED). They will work as part of the multidisciplinary team developing clinical and non-technical skills to provide patient-centred care, whilst supporting the department to deliver excellent care without exception. This initiative was funded by cascade who are made up of members of Nottingham University alumni. They give grants for the projects that help enhance the student experience.

What does this mean in practice?
We will provide training on a range of commonly used clinical skills within the emergency department (ED) such as venepuncture, cannulation, and catheterisation. We plan to teach using hybrid simulation, giving them the opportunity to do the procedure while having to communicate with the standardised patient.

Whether they are wanting to increase their confidence, improve their clinical skills or just wanting more experience in one of the busiest emergency departments in the country, there is something in this role that every medical student could benefit from.