Postgraduate - UnitMPH2048 - Primary health care in developing countries

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Synopsis

This subject will provide an overview of the history, principles and practice of primary health care in developing countries, as well as the interaction between primary healthcare and current trends in global health and international development.

Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Describe the principles and elements of primary health care;
2. Explain how primary health care has evolved and the issues that have shaped its development;
3. Outline important cross-cutting issues in PHC and the role of primary healthcare in health systems strengthening;
4. Describe the importance, variety and roles of community health workers and peripheral service delivery in primary health care;
5. Describe the strategies taken to maximise the likelihood of PHC succeeding as a health care system at community, district and country levels;
6. Explain the role of global agencies; aid programs and other international health interventions in primary health care services;
7. Outline the role of community knowledge, attitudes and practices and health care seeking behaviours in primary health care;
8. Summarise important issues in the financing of primary health care;
9. Demonstrate how PHC principles and practices may apply to current global health issues including control of communicable diseases (including HIV infection), urbanisation, ageing and chronic diseases.

Assessment

Written task (3,00 - 4,000 words) 60%
Group presentation (20%), Individual reflection (1,000 words) on group work (20%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Chris Morgan

Contact hours

6 x 4 weekday contact hours
1 x 7 weekend contact hour
5 day block

Prerequisites

Basic computer proficiency

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad