MSc in Global Health & International Primary Health Care (PHC) – developing a curriculum for strengthening 21st century Primary Health Care.

Problem

The MSc in Global Health & International Primary Health Care (established 2013) is part of a portfolio of Global Health courses at Queen Mary University of London. Despite a surge in interest in PHC internationally this course recruits small numbers compared to the other available. Nonetheless an optional PHC module attracted 26 students in 2017-18: 18/26 (69%) international students; 20/26, (89%) with health backgrounds (8 doctors, 4 dentists and 8 others such as public health, biomedical sciences or pharmaceutical industry - often with years of field experience) and 3 intercalating UK medical student. Expanding the MSc involves devising a curriculum that appeals to students with diverse professional backgrounds and priorities.

Approach

Curriculum redesign followed three stages based on principles of co-production to generate two modules relevant to an international cohort of MSc students. We broadly followed a modified Action Research cycle (McNiff, 2008). Stage 1: Faculty met twice in late 2017 to articulate the focus of the new curriculum. Stage 2: Weekly structured feedback data from the 26 students is currently being collected. Questions explore content and process, and include reflective statements for each session regarding what has been learned. This data will be combined with data from post-course focus groups (April 2018) with students and tutors where a Nominal Group Technique will be used to identify priorities and omissions. Stage 3: The results will be used to redesign and re-launch the MSc.

Findings

Stage 1: Confirmed that the existing core module was not fit for purpose. A refreshed module was implemented covering: theory, access, financing, research and quality, and PHC workforce illustrated with UK and International case studies. Stage 2: Interim findings indicate students find the topics thought-provoking and relevant. Case-based group work that draws on the students’ extensive knowledge of diverse healthcare settings is preferred and leads to substantial peer-to-peer learning. We await the outcomes of the Focus Groups and Nominal Group process. Stage 3: We plan to deliver two separate modules provisionally entitled: 'Principles, Policy and Practice in PHC', and 'Leadership and Capacity Building in PHC'. We will work with current students to widen international relevance though building a bank of case studies for these modules.

Consequences

This three stage process will allow us to expand and improve the curriculum, building on real-time feedback and on the wealth of experience our students and faculty bring. We hope to offer a unique academic opportunity with wide appeal and applicability to students from across the globe who can, in turn, strengthen primary care systems worldwide.