DUBAI RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAMME SPECIALIST TRAINING PROGRAMME IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE (2008-2009) Four Year Residency Training Programme Primary Health Care Professional Development Office Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services Programme Administration Program Director : Co-Director : Dr. Ashraf Ahmed Aabed Dr. Ahmed Soliman Wasfy Representative of Residents: Dr. Nahed Jaffer Al Yousuf -2- TABLE OF CONTENTS Title Page Introduction 4 Mission & objectives 5 Administrative structure 8 Eligibility criteria 11 Program strategy 12 Supervision & evaluation of residents 17 Evaluation of the program 25 Job specification for specialist in community medicine 27 Appendix(1) : Schedule of the courses & Credit hours 29 Contents of the modules in the first year 31 Instruction for writing report & thesis 52 Appendix (2): Teaching evaluation form 55 Weekly rotation evaluation form 56 Final Rotation evaluation form 57 References 58 -3- INTRODUCTION Community medicine is the science and art of assessing community health needs, introduction of comprehensive health services and development of health programs to promote and protect the health of community as a whole and vulnerable group in particular. It is complementary to clinical medicine which focuses on individual member of the health community. The Community Medicine program provides the theoretical basis that equips the candidates with the knowledge they need for "community diagnosis", identification of priorities of health problems in the community, planning for their solutions, practice of "population medicine", and evaluation of programs and policies aimed at promoting and advocating for the health of populations. The main factors that determine a community's health are to be found within the community itself. It is essential to examine a community’s social, economic, cultural, ethnic, environmental and biological features, in order to assess community health needs and properly evaluate population health or disease. Although all the Gulf countries share many characteristics, each community has a defined culture that differs from other countries. So, the Community Medicine training program should enable community physicians to use the population health knowledge and skills to play leading and collaborative roles in the maintenance and improvement of health system well being of any community in which they work, with a special emphasis on UAE community. MISSION The Community Medicine Training Program will train specialist to meet the health needs of United Arab Emirates in Public /Community Health. MAJOR OUTCOMES 1. To provide a program in community medicine (PHC programs, nutrition, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational medicine) oriented to the needs of the United Arab Emirates community. 2. To be involved in the provision of community medicine and evidence based health care programs designed to develop, maintain and upgrade the competence of healthcare professionals practicing in the United Arab Emirates. 3. To carry out research into community medicine to find out the most common health related problems among Emirates population and its priorities. This will help in designing an intervention program for such problems. 4. To be actively involved in the delivery and development and enhancement of community medicine and evidence-based health care throughout the United Arab Emirates. -4- OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM At the end of training program, the candidate should have acquired the knowledge, skills and attitude listed below: A- Knowledge: 1. Knowledge of the academic basis of the following disciplines of community medicine a. Epidemiology and health statistics. b. Health Administration c. Environmental & Occupational Health d. Behavioral Science and Health Education e. Health Care Programs. 2. Detailed knowledge of the local, national, Arabic and international sources of health information. 3. Detailed knowledge of the determinants of disease in the community 4. Knowledge of processes for identifying the opportunities for preventing and managing diseases. 5. Knowledge of demographic, social, cultural and environmental circumstances of the community 6. Knowledge of the social and behavioral characteristics of the population. 7. Knowledge of the health organization and health institutions in the community. 8. Knowledge of the policies and strategic guidelines for promotion of health services at the local, national and Arabic levels. B- Skills: Ability to: 1. describe and analyze the present state of health of the community served and to identify scientific features in the physical, social or psychological environment which endanger the health of the community. 2. assess the effectiveness and efficiency of health services for the community with a view to its promotion. C- Attitude: 1. A commitment to the promotion of health and prevention of disease. 2. Appreciation of work as a member of the health team with a willingness to offer advice and assistance to the members of the team. ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE 1. Program Director The program director is a senior physician responsible for the overall conduct of Residency program. The Residency program director is responsible to the Postgraduate Dean and is a member of the Postgraduate Education Committee. Responsibilities of the Program Director The responsibilities of the Program Director, assisted by the Residency Program Cmmittee include: -5- Development, administration and supervision of the program so that it meets the standards of accreditation for a specialty program in Pubic Health and requirements of Arab Board in Community Medicine Residency Program. Selection of candidates for admission to the program. Evaluation and promotion of residents in the program in accordance with policies approved by the Postgraduate Community Medicine Education Committee. Establishment of mechanisms to provide career planning and counseling for residents and to deal with problems such as those related to stress in collaboration with the Residents Affairs. An ongoing review of the Program to assess the quality of the educational experience and to review the resources available in order to ensure that maximal benefit is being derived from the integration of the components of the program. This review must include: o An assessment of each component of the Program to ensure that the educational objectives are being met. o An assessment of resource allocation to ensure that resources and facilities are being utilized with optimal effectiveness o An assessment of the teachers in the program Further to those responsibilities listed above, the Program Director must function as a resident advocate and aid in the organization of other educational opportunities. The Program Director is responsible for assigning residents their rotation and service schedules. The Program Director is responsible to the residents to train them well in a humane atmosphere. The Program Director reports to the Postgraduate Dean. . 2. Program Site Co-director The Program site Co-Director is responsible for the day- to -day functioning of the residency program in the field. The Program site Co-Director is responsible to Program Director. There must be active liaison between the Program Director and Program CoDirector. The Program Site Co-director is responsible for: o Preparation of the scientific modules in cooperation with the teaching staff. o The day-to-day functioning of the Residency Program. o Regular tutorials and supervision to the trainee o Supervision of the rotation program phase and the evaluation of the final report of each candidate at the end of each rotation. o Annual evaluation of trainee for board of training and examination 3. Residency Program Committee The Residency Program Committee assists the Program Director in the planning, organization, and supervision of the Program. The Residency Program Committee should meet regularly, at least quarterly, and maintain the minutes of the meetings. The Committee is chaired by the Program Director who is the executive officer. This committee includes o The Program Site Co-Director -6- o A representative of each major component of the program o Representative of Residents. o Representative of the teaching staff. 4. Rotation Trainer: A designated, medically qualified person fully acquired with the work of Rotation program in which training will be conducted. He is selected by the Co-Director. He will provide on the job supervision assistance and advice on a particular topic or in connection with a particular problem or project. Responsibilities of the Rotation Trainer include: o Supervision and regular evaluation of trainee. o Ensure that the personnel of the organization (Rotation program) are adequately briefed and able to carry out their part of the program successfully. 5. Eligibility criteria for admission into Program in Community Medicine The candidate should be of UAE nationality. Should have successfully completed MBBS or MBChB from a recognized University. It is preferable that the candidate have experience in the area of public health and community medicine Must be successful at an evaluation examination, which may include an oral and/or written examination and oral interview. The Office of Postgraduate Education in collaboration with the Admission Committee will supervise the evaluation. PROGRAM OOUTLINE Duration of Training duration: The training in the specialty of community medicine covers a period of four years: Parts of Training: Training in community medicine consists of two parts: Part I: (one year) This part is intended to provide candidates with knowledge and skills of scientific basis in community medicine. It includes an academic course of a minimum of 30 credit hours which covers the science of epidemiology and health statistics, behavioral and social science, environmental, occupational health, administration and management of health services and research &training. It also involves a practical training of three months under supervision. Part II: (Three years duration): -7- During this period, in-service training will be organized on individual basis for each candidate taking into account his/her experience, interests and needs as well as the available local opportunities and resources of training and specially the availability of supervisors. The candidate will select four from the following list of units of health care programs: o Surveillance and infectious disease control o Maternal and Child Health care o School Health o Health and care of the older people o Comprehensive care for Chronic Diseases o Health Education & Nutrition o Community research The candidate will spend at least four months in each selected unit or program (range from 16-20 month) and carry out the following tasks: a) Collection, analysis, presentation and evaluation of health information so as to outline the health profile of the human groups. b) Planning, organization and evaluating the health program. c) Administration of health services d) Participation in scientific research and training e) Health education At the end of each rotation of four months duration, he/she will submit a scientific report. The rotation period will be ranged from 16-20 months for giving a chance for completion of unsatisfactory rotation. After the completion of the rotation period, each candidate will carry out a planned scientific research and submit the dissertation. The candidate will spend around 12-16 months for research completion under the supervision of his/her supervisors. ACADEMIC SCHEDULE OF THE FIRST YEAR The first year is divided into three semesters, each one of four months, with one week interval. Daily sessions will extend from Sunday to Wednesday. Session duration 6 hours (from 8.00 am – 2.00 pm). Every Thursday will be devoted for practice, revision and self assessment (Quiz) for preparing the candidates to sit their exam (Part I). Free hours session for the candidates for further study of certain topics in library. Attending the sessions is mandatory. From mid- July until mid-August (1 month) - will be Summer Leave. TRAINING TASKS (SECOND TO FOURTH YEAR) The trainee will acquire the basic knowledge relevant to the health program in which he/she is training The trainee will carry out the following tasks during the four months period in each of the four programs selected: First task: Collection, analysis, presentation and evaluation of health information in order to reach a community diagnosis of the program target population: -8- a- Identification of the health indicators used in each economic, morbidity, utilization of health services, and health risks variables. b- Identification of sources of information, methods of collection and access to it. c- Appreciation of the methods used in preparation, analysis and presentation of information to the different authorities. d- Planning and conducting a field survey to ascertain the validity and reliability of the information collected. Second task: Planning, organization and managing the health program. a- Assessment and measurement of the health needs of target population served by the program. b- Proposal of a plan to satisfy the needs according to the available resources. c- Promotion of efficiency and effectiveness of the health program. Third task: (Management of health sciences) a- Outline the objectives and plan of work during his/her attachment. b- Appreciation of application of new methods in management to the program concerned. c- Active participation in the different committees at different levels. d- Identification of administrative or organizational obstacles and the solutions proposed. e- Identification of the contributing factors to the success of the program which could be evaluated and applied. Fourth task: a- Identification of areas of research which lead to development of the program b- Outline of a detailed research proposal for two of the areas identified. c- Critical review of two published papers on matters related to the program of training d- The use of appropriate visual aids in presentation of lectures, seminars in topics related to the program. e- Participation in training of the health work team f- Participation in training of students, if applicable, in areas related to the program. Fifth task: (Health education): a- Knowledge of the health education activities of the program b- Critical appraisal of the health education plan and proposals for its development within the available resources c- Outline of a comprehensive health education and the role of every member of the health team and methods of evaluation. d- Practice of health education in the different activities of the program. SUPERVISION OF THE RESIDENTS Policy: 1. Teaching staff play an important role for the successful implementation of the Dubai residency training Program. 2. Teaching staff are expected to be familiar with the goals and objectives of the program as well as of the rotations for which they have responsible. 3. Teaching staff are expected to provide a direct and appropriate level of supervision to all residents . -9- Procedures: 1. Responsibilities must be assigned to the residents in a carefully supervised and graduated manner, so that the resident assumes progressively increasing responsibility in accordance with their level of education, ability and experience. 2. Teaching staff supervision should include continuous and appropriate feedback to and from the residents. 3. Teaching staff schedules should be structured to ensure continuous supervision of residents and availability of consultation. ASSESSMENT OF THE RESIDENTS IN THE FIRST YEAR A- CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT: The assessment of the residents will be continuous through supervision, discussion, and self-assessment. B- AT THE END OF EACH MODULE: At the end of each module the residents undertake written examination (MCQ & short notes, problem solving) C- AT THE END OF EACH SEMESTER: At the end of each semester, the residents under take written examination on all the modules (MCQ & short notes, problem solving) D- FINAL ASSESSMENT: At the end of the academic year a final exam will be conducted within three weeks from the completion of last module. The purpose of this exam will be to confirm that all residents are ready for the first part Arab Board exam community medicine. EVALUATION OF RESIDENT PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND & THIRD YEAR (ROTATION) 1. Format During each rotation of the program the resident will be supervised and evaluated by the rotation advisor under the supervision of the Co-director as coordinated by the rotation advisor. At the end of each rotation, a formal report will be written by the candidate. Attitudes will be assessed by observation and from Advisor’s feedback. 2. Feedback: Honest and constructive feedback will be provided to the resident in a continuous fashion. There should also be regular feedback to and from the residents on an informal basis through weekly and final evaluation forms (Appendix 2). - 10 - 3. Standards: The resident must pass the Part 1 examination of the Specialization of Arab Board in Community Medicine at the end of the first year. If a resident has not passed this examination after two attempts, the Program Director will initiate a review of the resident's progress and consideration may be given to withdrawing from the program and selecting an alternate career path. The Program Director will review each rotation evaluation and any concerns will be reviewed with the resident. As well, rotation supervisors and site coordinator will be encouraged to make any concerns about the resident known at the earliest opportunity in order that any deficiencies may be addressed in a continuous and effective manner. If two consecutive evaluation reports are either "Borderline" or "Poor", or the resident is absent from the Program for one month in any rotation, the resident will be invited for counseling by the Program Director and co-director to review the resident's progress. The resident is allowed to continue with the Program at the discretion of the Postgraduate Dean and based on the recommendation of the Program Co-Director and the Residency Program Committee. It is expected that inputs from the tutors and the involved rotation and Advisors will weigh heavily in these considerations. Any period of absence in excess of one month will result in the addition of a make-up period. The duration, timing and composition of this period will be at the discretion of Program Director after consultation with the Residency Program Committee and the involved resident. EXAMINATION Regulation for the examination: The examination will be in two parts; Part I and Part II. Part I: Examination: This exam will be taken by the candidates on completion of the first academic year. And it is a written examimnation. Qualification for admission: - Every candidate should hold a medical qualification - Every candidate should have spend a year practicing Community medicine after his medical registration - Candidate should submit relevant documents confirming his/her participation in an academic program in community medicine of not less than 30 credit hours. - Candidate should register for the Part I Examination by submitting the appropriate application form along with the fees of examination. Format of Examination: - This will be a one-day written examination, consisting of two papers of three hours each - 11 - - The examination will be conducted twice a year during the first week of February and October or as decided by the Board of Family & Community medicine at the examination centers and will be notified three months in advance. Part II Examination: Qualification for admission: - Candidate should have passed part I examination. - The trainee should apply for the part II examination within three years of his success in part I. - Candidate should have completed the training program. - The evaluation report from the supervisor is satisfactory. - The candidate should have completed and submitted his theses and the four scientific reports. - The candidate should submit his/her application on the appropriate forms with all the relevant certificates and documents. Format of Examination : - Part II examination is designed to test the ability of the candidate to integrate appropriate knowledge, skills and attitude and apply these in the practice of Community Medicine. - The examination will be in two stages: a- Assessment of the thesis. b- A comprehensive oral examination. - Each thesis will be assessed by two interviewers separately Four grades will be used for assessing the thesis: a- good b- satisfactory c – Marginal (unsatisfactory but redeemable at the oral) d- Unsatisfactory - Candidates with assessment of good, satisfactory, marginal of their written submission will be eligible to appear for the comprehensive oral examination. The oral examination aims at: - Testing the candidate's ability to present the findings of the written work verbally and discuss it in an intelligent and legal manner. - Clarifying points of concern in the written work. - Testing the ability of the candidate to respond verbally to the problems associated with the practice of Community Medicine. Committee for Final Oral Examination: The committee of examination is formed from co-coordinators of the Board of Examination and two other members nominated by the Board of Examination. The co-coordinator can nominate a member of the Board to chair the committee of the final oral examination. Final assessment: The final assessment based on the result of the oral examination will be graded as follows: - Pass (satisfactory) - Marginal pass - 12 - - - - Re-take of oral examination only. - Failed. Candidate is graded pass (satisfactory) if his/her written work was accepted and he passed the oral examination. A candidate will be graded as marginal pass if his written work was assessed as marginal, but he adequately explained any concern during the oral. He will be requested to make the required changes and to resubmit the thesis within a period of six months. The candidate has to re-take the oral examination only if his written work was satisfactory but his performance in the oral was unsatisfactory. The candidate will be graded as failed if the assessment of his written was marginal and his oral examination unsatisfactory. THE CERTIFICATE On satisfactory completion of the entire program of specialist training, the Program Director will notify the Postgraduate Dean and a certificate of completion of training will be issued by the Arab Board of Medical Specializations General Secretariat .The authorized signatories on the certificate will be the Program Director, Director General/Assistant Director General (MA) and Postgraduate Dean EVALUATION OF THE PROGRAM 1. Residency Program Committee The Residency Program Committee under the leadership of the Program Director will be responsible for the ongoing evaluation of the program. This will include an assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the program and recommendation of improvements. As well, all residency training sites, including elective experiences will be assessed and evaluated. Formal evaluation of all of the teaching staff affiliated with the program. Discussion regarding the program will be carried out at all residency program committee meetings and a formal evaluation of the program accompanied by a report should be done on a yearly basis. 2. Internal Review The internal review is intended as a mechanism to assist the sponsor in maintaining the quality of Residency Program and providing the Program Administrators with information about the strengths and weaknesses of the Program, so that necessary corrective measures may be taken. The Postgraduate Dean with the assistance of Program Director and Co-Director should initiate the internal review and evaluated the whole process. 3. External Review The Program should undergo an external review every 4 to 5 years. The process of the external review will be conducted by the Community Medicine Committee of Arab Board specialization in Syria. The external review committee would generate a report that should include the strengths and weaknesses of the program and specific recommendations for - 13 - continued development and improvements. This report should be submitted to the Postgraduate Dean and made available to the Chair of the Department, the Program Director, and members of the Residency Program Committee. JOB DESCRIPTION OF A SPECIALIST IN COMMUNITY MEDICINE At the end of the four year of community medicine course and training, the specialist in community medicine will have the following tasks: - Definition and analysis of health problems in the community in terms of geographic, demographic, social and economical factors so as to provide the basic applicable solutions - A study of the etiology of health problems - An assessment of health needs in the community and definition priorities - Planning and management of health care programs intended for promotion of health, prevention of diseases, medical management and rehabilitation. - Promotion of activities of the health care team and coordination of different groups concerned with planning, managing and evaluating health care programs. - Conduct and promotion of research and specially the applied studies - Participation in training of different health workers - Based on knowledge of the community and its health profile, develop health education programs. - Evaluation and development of health services so as to promote its effectiveness. - 14 - Appendix 1 The Academic Programs (First Year) Course Credit hour 1.Epidemiology a)Principles of epidemiology a) Epidemiology of communicable Diseases b) Epidemiology of non-Communicable Diseases c) Primary health care programmes (Community health programmes) 2. Health Statistics a) Biostatistics and demography b) Health information system c) Computer application 3. Health administration a) Health services and administration b) Management of health services c) Health Planning d) Health Economics 4. Behavioral -Social Sciences & Health education a) Principles of behavioral sciences b) Principle and methods of health education 2 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 2 2 1 2 1 5. Environmental and occupational health a) Environmental health and ecology b) Occupational health 6. Research methodology a) Health research b) Techniques of training Total 2 2 2 1 30 - 15 - The Academic Programs (First Year) Module Credit hour Semester 2 3 3 The three semesters 1.Epidemiology d) Principles of epidemiology e) Epidemiology of communicable Diseases f) Epidemiology of non-Communicable Diseases 8 2. Primary health care programmes ( community health programmes) 3. Health Statistics d) Biostatistics and demography e) Health information system f) Computer application 3. Health administration e) Health services and administration f) Management of health services g) Health Planning h) Health Economics 4. Behavioral -Social Sciences & Health education c) Principles of behavioral sciences d) Principle and methods of health education 5 3 2 2 7 2 1 2 1 6 2 1 3 The three semesters The three semesters The first & second semesters The second & third semesters 5. Environmental and occupational health c) Environmental health and ecology d) Occupational health 3 2 The second & third semesters 5 6. Research methodology c) Health research d) Techniques of training Total 2 2 4 38 The third Semester - 16 - MODULE CONTENTS MODULE (1) EPIDEMIOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTION This course covering basic epidemiology principles, concepts, and procedures generally used in the surveillance and investigation of health-related events. The key features and applications of descriptive and analytic epidemiology, an in depth study of public health surveillance, and a step-by-step description of outbreak investigations. Methods and research designs used in investigation of the etiology of infectious and non-infectious disease and primary health care programs are also presented in this course. COURSE OBJECTIVES The candidate who successfully completes this course should be able to correctly: - Describe key features and applications of descriptive and analytic epidemiology. - Describe trends and patterns of disease incidence and prevalence, burden of major diseases (both new and emerging), and factors affecting health status and indicate major etiologic and prognostic factors. - Apply epidemiological concepts, principles, methods and analytical techniques to practical public health issues and research questions. - Describe the processes, uses, and evaluation of public health surveillance. - Describe the steps of an outbreak investigation. - Assess the community needs for health promotion. - Design, implement and evaluate the public health programs. COURSE CONTENTS: Introductory to epidemiology Definition Types of epidemiology Uses of epidemiology Importance of epidemiology for Doctors. Applications of epidemiological principles in medical and health care. Population at Risk Definition Identification of population at risk. Risk, relative versus attributable Measurement of Health and diseases Definition of Health and diseases. Definition of Rates, ratios, proportions and percentages. Types of rates: Crude rates, specific rates, standardized rates Morbidity rates (Incidence rates, prevalence rates) - 17 - Mortality rates. (Infant, child, adult, maternal etc…). Epidemiological Designs Observational studies, descriptive and analytic. Case study, case series. Correlation studies, (Ecological studies). Cross sectional studies (prevalence studies). Case control studies. Cohort studies. Interventional studies Clinical trial, Randomized control trial. Field trial (preventive trial). Community trials. Blinding techniques Basic epidemiological strategies Prevention, definition Levels of prevention Why prevention rather than cure. Mechanisms of prevention intervention, Where and when to intervene. Surveillance Strategy Definition. Objectives Types Surveillance structure. Control and Eradication strategy Definition Steps of control. Cases and contact measures Example of Eradication, Malaria. Screening Definition. Principles of screening. Types of screening Screening criteria, Test Validity and Test reliability Sensitivity and Specificity measurements. Test cut off point and tests in combination (Tests in series and Tests in Parallel). Source of data in medical and Health care system Passive recording. Health facilities record system0. Active recording (Surveys). Concept of causation - 18 - Definition Causation Versus association. Criteria of Causation. Types of Causation Application of causation concept in analytical epidemiology. Epidemiology of Communicable diseases Definitions, communicable Diseases, Endemic Disease, Contagious Disease, Pandemic Disease etc… Nature of Communicable Disease. Epidemiological Triangle HOST, AGENT, ENVIRONMENT concept. Transmission Chain. Communicable diseases : I- Respiratory infection diseases : - Measles - Mumps - Rubella - Whooping cough - Meningococcal meningitis - Diphtheria - Influenza - Acute respiratory infection - SARS - Small pox - Chicken pox - Tuberculosis - Sexually transmitted diseases II- Intestinal infections diseases: - Poliomyelitis - Viral hepatitis - Cholera - Acute diarrhoeal diseases - Typhoid fever - Food poisoning - Ascariasis - Hookworm infection - Dracunculiasis III- Arthropode- born infections : - Dengue syndrome - Malaria - Lymphatic Flariasis IV-Zoonoses: - Viral : - Rabies - Yellow fever - Bacterial : - Brucellosis - 19 - - Leptospirosis - Plague - Human salmonellosis V-Rickettsial diseases: - Rickettsial zoonoses - Srub- Murine-Tick typhus - Q fever VII- Parasitic zoonoses: - Taeniasis - Hydatid disease - Leishmaniasis VIII- Surface infection: - Trachoma - Tetanus - Leprosy - STD - AIDS Investigation of Epidemic and Outbreaks Definitions of epidemics, outbreaks. Epidemic curves Steps of investigation of outbreaks. Epidemiology of Chronic diseases Definition of non communicable diseases Nature of non communicable diseases. Risk assessment &management Chronic non-communicable diseases : - Cancer - Cardiovascular diseases - Coronary heart diseases - Hypertension - Stroke - Rheumatic heart diseases - Renal and urinary tract disease - Diabetes - Obesity - Gastrointestinal tract disorders - Musculoskeletal disorders - Neurological disorders - Disabling visual disorders - Psychiatric disorders - Mental retardation - Injuries - Violence METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures- discussion - 20 - - Problem solving approach in epidemiology, examples. MODULE (2) COMMUNITY HEALTH PROGRAMS COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course focuses on enhancing health advocacy, and community activities to maintain health. It reviews the influence of social, behavioral, economic and legal aspects of health care services and how health care organizations can provide a framework for the management of health care and disease prevention programs. It examines current theory and research relevant to the biology, physiology, psychology, and medical aspects of the individual during all stages of life. It provides the candidates with the analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills that will help to assess not only today's public health problems, but those of five, ten, and twenty years in the future. It also provides the candidates with an introduction to the basic principles of nutrition science and increase knowledge about health determinants; to foster understanding and identification of the key factors influencing health; and to mobilize the community to modify its environment to improve the health of its members. COURSE OBJECTIVES: At the end of the course, the candidates are expected to get the following profits: Recognize the ecology of health and disease and appreciating the broader scope of community based health promotion. Develop skills in identification of risk factors and how to apply the best level of prevention. Candidates will be able to perform pre-marital counseling regarding personal hygiene, child care, parenthood and role of consanguinity in the outcome of pregnancy. Know and appreciate the ultimate importance of antenatal, natal and postnatal care in providing the best outcome of pregnancy. Able to monitor the growth and development of the child and develop the skill of detecting early signs of abnormality. Candidates will have the most recent proves of importance of breast-feeding and its impact upon the mother and the infant. Candidates should know the compulsory vaccines given to children and be able to monitor vaccination coverage of the schedule. Recognizing common problems of infants, preschool and school children stressing upon preventive measures. Have the ability of identification & setting priorities for the prevalent health problems putting a plan for its control. - 21 - Understand and explain the scope of health problems and the organization of the health programs and services in the context of the community setting. Candidates should understand the public health importance of mental health, recognize the common manifestations of mental illness, and be able to design intervention programs for its prevention. Describe the relationship between nutrition and human health and disease as it applies to the macronutrients (fat, protein, and carbohydrate/energy) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals). Recognize the appropriate ways of nutritional assessments, qualitative data, surveys, and surveillance in the field of nutrition. Demonstrate how to design population and community-based nutrition interventions with effective process and outcome evaluation components. Candidates will recognize the demographic changes and increase in life expectancy with its impact on individual &community health. Candidates will understand the aging process and recognize the normal physiological changes that accompany aging. Candidates will define different health problems of the elderly, stressing the most common like locomotion system, cardiovascular, digestive systems and neuro-psychiatric problems. Candidates should realize that promotive and preventive services are of the same importance like curative services and some times even more among elderly persons Candidates will be able to plan and organize different interventions and programs for the proper care of elderly population. COURSE CONTENTS - Phases of human life cycle. - Determinants of health. - Family composition and dynamics. - Development and health problems at different phases: - - Maternal and child health - The child from 1-4 (toddlers and preschool ) - The school age child. - Adolescent's health. - Adult health. - Women's health. - Elderly health. Mental health program. Occupational health program. Breast feeding program. Nutritional program. Geriatric health program Public health in the twenty –first century : - Achievements and challenges - Strategic planning for public health. - Hope for the integration of public health & medical practice. - Information technology. - The challenge of biotechnology. - 22 - METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures- discussion -Practical sessions - 23 - MODULE (3) HEALTH STATISTICS COURSE DESCRIPTION This course involves the introduction to the basic tools and elementary methods of statistics. It enable the candidate to understand the concepts of population, samples, sampling methods, sample size and drawing inferences on data analysis and interpretation. It enables the specialist to evaluate sources and limitations of demographic data and components of population change, to know methodology of demographic techniques. It also provides the specialist with an understanding of the mechanisms and procedures for acquiring and analyzing data and provides information for monitoring health activities, in addition to computer application, data entering and analysis. COURSE OBJECTIVES: Upon satisfactory completion of the course, the candidate will have: - Knowledge of basic statistics concepts. Prepare and apply tables and graphs. Developed a skill to summarize, describe and analyze data. Know the type of samples, sample selection procedures and methods of estimation of sample size. Design a sample survey in a practical manner and analyze the resulting data. Generate hypothesis. Select of the appropriate data analysis measure. Test the relation between variables. Locate census and vital statistics materials and test their quality. Prepare population estimates and projections. Read and interpret the population pyramid. Identify relevant sources of data for a health information system. Compute the appropriate health indicators (morbidity, mortality, fertility). Use the computer for data entering, and analysis and presentation. COURSE CONTENTS: Basic statistics Introduction to statistics Sources of data Type of data. Presentation of data: Tabular presentation Graphical presentation Mathematical presentation: Measures of central tendency Measures of dispersion - 24 - Measures of scenes & kurtosis. Box & Whisker plot. Sampling and survey technique The concept of sampling Sampling &probability distributions Parameters and statistics Central limit theorem Types of samples and sampling error The normal distribution and estimation of a population parameter from a sample. Determination of the minimum required sample size Statistical inferences: Hypothesis and types of error Comparison between sample mean and population mean Comparison between means of two independent samples using t test. Comparison between means of two dependent samples using paired t test Comparison between two independent proportion using Z test Relationship between categorical variables using Chi squared test. Relationship between paired observations using Mc Nemar test. Analysis of variance for comparison of means of three groups or more. Odds ratio and relative risk Simple correlation and regression Multiple regression Demography Some demographic fundamentals. Census & estimation of the population Standardization of rates Population pyramids. The life table. The analysis of marriage. The analysis of migration. The measurement of fertility. Population growth. Population transition Population projection and population dynamics. Statistical health information system Definition of terms. Components of Health information system. Role of statistics in health information systems. Sources of data. Health status indicators: Mortality rates. - 25 - Morbidity and disability indicators. Nutritional status indicators. Indicators for provision of health care. Indicators of resources for health: Financial resources. Human resources. Physical infrastructure. Logistics and supplies. Indicators for social and economic trends. Indicators based on hospital statistics. Survival analysis Survival probabilities -Life table analysis. -Kaplan Meier survival curve estimator. Non parametric statistics Parametric versus non parametric statistics. Comparing samples. - Two independent samples - K-S technique. - Wilcoxon rank sum test. - Mann whitney test. - Two related samples - Wilcoxon mached pair. - Signed rank test. - More than 2 independent groups - Kruskal-Wallis test Non parametric measures of correlation (Spearman rank correlation). Statistical software computer packages Introduction to computer Data definition and access Data management and modifications Data analysis and presentation Graphical presentation Output management Saving files Printing files. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION - Lectures - Practical sessions: exercises- problem solving – computer applications. - 26 - MODULE (4) HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT Course Description: This course focuses on the principles of administration, management and planning in health care system. It enhances the importance of the allocation of resources and the policy- making and the assessment of different health programs and activities. It focuses on the importance of the Primary Health Care initiation and its policy in health improvements. Purpose: The purpose of the course is to enables the learners to be able to define health management, administration and planning; in addition to set health programs and be able to allocate resources according to the need in different health care delivery systems. The course also enables the learner to know all the factors affecting the health development and progress and how this can participate in the development and improvement of the health care provided to the community. Learning Outcomes: After the completion of this course candidates should: Understand the concept of health administration, management and planning. Comprehended the importance of the health planning in health organizations. Perceive the distinction between levels of management and planning in health organizations. Understand the UAE health system, structure and policies in different sectors and departments. Understand the concept of working with, for and through people in different health organizations. Use and apply the learned methods to simplify the management skills and the critical thinking in setting health policies and plans. Gain skills and knowledge to be used for performance management in different health sectors. Be able to set plans for health development and improvement. Understand and define different levels and types of leadership in health organizations. Prepare the candidates to establish leadership training programs within the health organizations. Understand the PHC new concept and approach. Be able to analyze the health problems and relate them to the economic development and its effect on health improvement. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures - Case studies -Problem solving. - 27 - MODULE (5) BEHAVIORAL-SOCIAL SCIENCE & HEALTH EDUCATION COURSE DESCRIPTION This course offers the candidate an opportunity to acquire knowledge, practice skills, and develop attitudes necessary for practicing lifelong health-enhancing behaviors. It provides an introduction to the role of social, cultural, psychological, and behavioral factors in determining the health of populations. It also improves their ability to apply social science theory, research, and principals to the critical analysis of the appropriateness of public health interventions COURSE OBJECTIVES After the completion of this course, the candidate should be able to: - Describe the utility of the social and behavioral sciences for understanding and solving public health problems. - Analyze how social and behavioral science interventions may prevent and/or ameliorate public health problems at the individual, organizational, community, and population levels. - Describe how social and behavioral science methods can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions at the individual, organizational, community, and population levels. - Utilize interpersonal communication skills to improve health and relationships. - Design and implement health education programs for specific populations and in a variety of organizations. - Select methods and media best suited to implement program plans. - Collaborate with lay people and health workers. - Provide consultation, training, direction, and technical assistance in development, expansion, and improvement of health education programs and services. COURSE CONTENTS - Scope of health behavior and health education - Social & behavioral science theories. - Health education methods. - Relationship between attitude, beliefs and behavior. - Methods of attitude changes. - Methods & strategies for intervention programs. - Monitoring the effectiveness and modifications of program planning. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures -Practical sessions. - 28 - MODULE (6) ENVIRONMENTAL & OCCUPTIONAL HEALTH COURSE DESCRIPTION This course provides a broad overview of the field of environmental and occupational health, developing a public health approach to understanding and preventing disease and disability. The specialist in community medicine develops skills to analyze the exposure-disease continuums and disease prevention. It also involves the recognition, analysis, and control of major environmental and occupational diseases and issues. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the candidate will be able to: - Assess and manage an environmental health problem/issue - Contribute to the development of a disaster plan, from a community health perspective - Make public health recommendations for toxic environmental hazards - Organize the strategies to protect exposed population. - Investigate the effects of exposure to workplace hazards and methods used in hazard analysis and risk assessment. - Investigate occupational health problems. COURSE CONTENTS - Principles of toxicology. - Mutagenesis, carcinogenesis, teratogenesis. - Methods of monitoring water, air, soil, food. - Risk assessment techniques. - Methods of setting and expressing standards for exposure to hazards. - Major environmental health hazards and diseases. - Water, air and soil characteristics. - Health effects, epidemiological aspects of major environmental agents: e.g., physical, chemical, biological including sanitation, water purification, sewage treatment, milk hygiene, quality control: water, air, soil, food. - Management of environmental exposure. - Organization of occupational health services, including employee assistance programs. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures -Practical visits to some settings - 29 - MODULE (7) RESEARCH METHODOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTION This course will teach the candidates how to do scientific health survey research, to understand and evaluate survey research reported by others and to enable them to apply survey principles to health-related topics in health care delivery, health practice, and health policy. It provides an overview of research methods and designs. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon successfully completing this course, the candidate should be able to: - Discuss the purpose of health research. - Understand the basic steps in the research process. - Identify and define a research problem, including the associated hypothesis to be tested, and limitations, delimitations, and underlying assumptions. - Discuss the importance of reviewing the literature in identifying and developing a research problem; use a computer to search available data bases to obtain published literature. - Describe the scientific methods and the elements of the research process. - Define objectivity, reliability, and validity, and discuss their importance in research. - Develop a survey questionnaire - Design a survey research project. METHODS OF INSTRUCTION -Lectures -Workshop -Practical: writing a protocol. - 30 - INSTRUCTION FOR WRITING THE REPORT & THESIS REPORT - The maximum length is 2000 words of text - It should contain the work carried out by the trainee. - It should contains: - Introduction & literature review. - Hypothesis and objectives of the research. - Material and methods. - Results. - Discussion & interpretations and conclusion. - Recommendation & implementation. - A summary in Arabic. THESIS - The maximum length must not exceed 15000 words of text. - The choice of the topic is the responsibility of the trainee with consultation with the supervisor. - The proposed protocol of the research should be approved by the board of examination and a written approval by the coordinator should be sent to the trainee. Contents of the proposed protocol : - Introduction & literature review. - Hypothesis and objectives of the research. - Material and methods. - Results. - Discussion & interpretations and conclusion. - Recommendation & implementation. - A summary in Arabic. - 31 - List of programs in the Second to Fourth year 1. Program 2. Surveillance and infectious disease control 3. Maternal and Child Health care 4. School Health 5. Health and care of the elderly 6. Comprehensive care for chronic Diseases 7. Health education & nutrition 8. Community research - 32 - TEACHING EVALUATION This Form is designed to provide resident feedback to Program Administrators concerning strengths and areas needed to improve the quality of training by providing an assessment of teaching staff in the community health program .The forms will be distributed at the end of the first year. Please feel free to be objective. All comments will not be traceable to the resident completing the form by the immediate supervisor. Rank the following statements on a scale of 1 to 6 on whether you agree or disagree with them as they pertain to this rotation (1= strongly disagree; 6 = strongly agree). Teaching Strongly disagree disagree Slightly disagree Slightly agree agree Strongly agree The academic activities of the division provided good learning opportunities Communication was clear and effective Teaching was well prepared and organized The teaching was provided in an effective manner The teacher made the subject matter interesting The teacher encouraged the candidates to participate in discussion The teacher explained the concept clearly The teacher explained used the instructional media (audiovisual aidscomputer data show,…)effectively The handout provide by the teacher were helpful The teacher was helpful outside the sessions Assignments, exams and tests were clearly explained Feedback on assessment was prompt and helpful There was adequate access to internet resources and books if needed Overall I am satisfied with teacher's performance 1 2 3 4 5 6 - 33 - WEEKLY EVALUATION FORM OF ROTATION Resident______________ Staff _____________ Date:__________________ Rotation department:________________________________ Unsatisfactory Adequate Excellent Knowledge Professional Skills Overall - 34 - ROTATION EVALUATION FORM Rotation department: _________________________ This Form is designed to provide resident feedback to Program Administrators concerning strengths and areas needed to improve in the variety and organization of rotations of community medicine program. The forms will be given to the residents at the end of the rotation. Please feel free to be objective. All comments will not be traceable to the resident completing the form by the immediate supervisor. Rank the following statements on a scale of 1 to 6 on whether you agree or disagree with them as they pertain to this rotation (1= strongly disagree; 6 = strongly agree). Organization The overall workload of the rotation was appropriate The material I saw provided a good exposure to the field of practice of the rotation There was adequate space for me to complete my work The supervising staff were available for back up and consultation if needed Teaching The academic activities of the division provided good learning opportunities There was adequate access to internet resources and books if I needed to look something up I received my evaluation before the rotation ended Overall this rotation allowed me to meet most of the rotation specific educational objectives Medical Expert Up–to-date in area of practice, scientific and knowledge Promotes development of trainee’s judgment and decision making Overall Strongly disagree disagree Slightly disagree Slightly agree agree Strongly agree 1 2 3 4 5 6 REFERENCES 1. The Scientific Council for Family and Community Medicine. Guide Book for community medicine: syllabus, training and evaluation regulations.2004. 2. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Policies and Procedures for Certification and Fellowship. 2001. 3. Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada .General Information Concerning Accreditation of Residency Programs, 2006. 4. Faculty of Public health medicine. Royal Colleges of physicians. United Kingdom.2002. 5. Latrobe University. Public health programs. 2007. 6. The Foundation of the Gator Nation. University of Florida. Public Health programs.2006 7. Lingnan College. Course and teaching evaluation. Questionnaire. [Cited at June, 2007]. Available from : http://www.cityu.edu.hk/pdeval/samples/q01_1.html 8. Summative Teaching Evaluation Questionnaire.[ Cited june,2007]. Available from : http://www.mansci.strath.ac.uk/mark/sim/TeachingEvaluation.pdf -2-