Introducing training in primary health care programme management into the curriculum

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Health Systems Management

Background:

• Community medicine and primary health care are crucial components of medical training.
• Integrating practical health program management into undergraduate curricula presents unique challenges.
• Gezira Medical School sought to enhance its community medicine program through curriculum innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the objectives and strategies for integrating community medicine and primary health care at Gezira Medical School.
• To describe the implementation of a primary health care program management course within the undergraduate curriculum.
• To evaluate the initial impact of this curriculum integration on student learning and acceptance.

Main Methods:

• Curriculum development focused on primary health care program management principles.
• Implementation of a new course module for medical undergraduates.
• Preliminary evaluation using student achievement and acceptance metrics.

Main Results:

• Positive preliminary results were observed in student achievement.
• Students demonstrated high acceptance of the new curriculum component.
• The integration of health care program management into the undergraduate curriculum was deemed feasible.

Conclusions:

• The integration of primary health care program management is a viable addition to undergraduate medical education.
• This approach enhances students' understanding and skills in community health.
• Gezira Medical School's experience provides a model for other institutions.