The Problem...
For organizations that are responsible for improving the health and well-being of populations, it is crucial to have a skilled workforce. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to find that besides a few staff members with formal public health qualifications, a majority of staff lack basic knowledge and skills about core public health concepts.
One of the main reasons behind this is the fact that public health education is centred on postgraduate degrees which are expensive and lengthy.
Ensuring that staff are trained and have at least a basic understanding of public health concepts is not only essential to the effective functioning of the work unit but also ensures the best outcomes for the population that they are serving.
The SOLUTION!
To address this gap in public health training, the Public Health Academy has developed a workplace-based intensive one-day introductory course on public health. This course introduces the basic theory, concepts and methods of public health. It also demonstrates how these can be applied practically to improve the health of populations.
By introducing the basic principles and core concepts of public health, the aim of this short course is to improve Public Health literacy of staff who are working on public health programs or projects. It allows participants to learn key concepts and skills that are relevant and applicable to their work.
The course provides a balance between time and the right amount and depth of training.
It focuses on the core components of public health providing a practical, relevant, evidence-based introduction to key public health concepts. It delivers optimum “take away” concepts that will enhance their understanding of public health and can be directly applicable to their work. A companion course-book will be provided and will have more detail on the topics covered as well as useful resources for further reading that can be easily accessed after the course.
A short course is cost effective and will provide the ability for most staff to attend while limiting the impact on routine work. A convenient workplace based delivery of the course reduces staff days off, costs associated with travel, accommodation and other expenses.
It will be useful to improve the public health skills and professional development of staff in a cost effective and convenient workplace based delivery.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This course is suited for all levels of staff who work in public health programs. It will be of value for staff who have no formal qualifications/training in public health, for staff who are working in a specific field of public health and want to broaden their knowledge of basic concepts or for those who need revision.
The training course would be ideal for staff working in state and local health departments, community organizations, health care providers, aid organizations or other organizations working to improving the health of the public. This includes: Executives, project officers, professional or support staff.
The course would be ideal as an orientation program for new staff members or as a standalone professional development program.
The course is done onsite at the workplace and is for groups of between 10 and 20 participants.
COURSE OUTLINE
The key learning outcomes of the course are:
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Understand key concepts of public health
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Outline major public health issues and approaches to deal with them.
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Learn key tools of public health that can be applied in day to day work
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Gain an understanding of key terms and jargon used in Public Health.
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Understand the application of public health principles to practice.
The major topics that will be covered in this course are: the social determinants of health, fundamentals of epidemiology, communicable and non-communicable diseases, health promotion, environmental health and risk assessment.
The course will be delivered in a way that teaches technical concepts and scientific knowledge into easy-to-understand lessons. A variety of teaching methods are used including dynamic visual presentations, group work and reflective exercises. Participants will be exposed to real world scenarios, which are strengthened and highlighted by theoretical fundamentals of public health.It focuses on the core components of public health providing a practical, relevant, evidence based introduction to key public health concepts. It delivers optimum “take away” concepts that will enhance their understanding of public health and can be directly applicable to their work. A companion course-book will be provided and will have more detail on the topics covered as well as useful resources for further reading that can be easily accessed after the course.