Lyamuya E, Pallangyo K, Lema K, Hoekstra U, Reeler A, Saba J, Roy R, Wilson A, Richardson J; International Conference on AIDS (15th : 2004 : Bangkok, Thailand).
Int Conf AIDS. 2004 Jul 11-16; 15: abstract no. MoPeE3997.
Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS), Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Issues: The medical curriculum in Tanzania has remained static for decades and does not adequately cover HIV/AIDS. With support from Tanzania Care, Abbott Laboratories Fund and technical assistance from Axios, the Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences (MUCHS) is reviewing the curriculum. Description: MUCHS commissioned a countrywide study in March 2003 to: Obtain information on the adequacy of MUCHS teaching modules Determine if MUCHS graduates fill needs of potential employers Identify work related problems faced by graduates Obtain information on facilities available at graduate's workplaces. Investigators utilized 3 questionnaires and a workplace observational checklist. A total of 68 employers, 216 graduates and 242 end users were interviewed; 77 workplace checklists were completed countrywide. A "tracer study" has collected feedback information from former students, employers of the college graduates and end users of the graduates' services to identify areas to be addressed in improving curriculum. Lessons learned: The study identified gaps in course content, including the need for regular review of the curriculum. Deficiency in HIV/AIDS teaching was particularly highlighted. The need for teaching of non-core subjects like hospital management, communication skills, research methodology and information technology was clearly expressed. Generally, employers and end users had a high opinion of MUCHS graduates standards and the facilities. Tracer studies can be an effective tool to highlight needs for curriculum review. Recommendations: Scaling up sustainable HIV care and ARV provision need to include strategies to update medical training of next generations of health professionals. Former medical students and their co-workers can contribute significantly to improving curriculums. Sustainable mechanisms to collect their feedback should be established.
Publication Types:
Keywords:
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
- Attitude of Health Personnel
- Clinical Competence
- Curriculum
- Education, Medical
- Education, Medical, Graduate
- Education, Medical, Undergraduate
- Forecasting
- HIV Seropositivity
- Health Personnel
- Health Services Needs and Demand
- Internship and Residency
- Needs Assessment
- Questionnaires
- Students, Medical
- Tanzania
- Teaching
- education
Other ID:
UI: 102280283
From Meeting Abstracts