!THE!UNIVERSITY!OF!BRITISH!COLUMBIA! School!of!Population!and!Public!Health!

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1 THEUNIVERSITYOFBRITISHCOLUMBIA SchoolofPopulationandPublicHealth MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents Contents Who swho,andcontactinformation OverviewMastersofPublicHealthDegreeProgram Thepracticum: Coursedescription LearningObjectives Topicaloutline References Methodsofevaluation Stepsforstudentsarrangingpracticumplacement WhenshouldIdomypracticum? WhereshouldIdomypracticum? WillIgetpaid? HowdoImakeithappen? Thenwhat? Policyforapprovalofpracticumplacementsabroad Appendices(allavailableonline) 1. Practicumform(tobecompletedbyplacementsite) 2. Learningcontract 3. Fundingapplicationform 4. Studentevaluationofplacementform 5. Interim(midYterm)assessmentform 6. Finalassessmentform February, 2009

2 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents Who swhointheubcmastersofpublichealth TheUniversityofBritishColumbiaSchoolofPopulationandPublicHealth 2206EastMall Vancouver,BCV6T1Z3 MPHProgramDirector AmeeManges,MPH, PhD 2206EastMall Ph:(604) MPHPracticumDirector JaneA.Buxton,MBBS,MHSc,FRCPC 2206EastMall Ph:(604)872Y4001 Fax:(604)822Y4994 MPHProgramManager Shalaleh Najafy 171Y2206 EastMall or Ph:(604)822Y9207 Fax:(604)822Y December 2010

3 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents MasterofPublicHealthDegreeProgram The Master of Public Health degree program will produce public health professionals with integrated knowledge and skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, social, biological and environmental determinants of heath, population health, diseaseprevention,andhealthsystemsmanagement.ourgraduateswillbecapable of applying this knowledge to a diverse range of health issues in interdisciplinary environments. Globally, the Master of Public Health (MPH) degree is the most widely recognized professional credential for leadership in population and public health.themasterofpublichealthisofferedwithintheubcschoolofpopulation andpublichealth. This twoyyear practicumybased program is aimed at students who have recently completedabaccalaureatedegreeinrelatedcontentareassuchashealthsciences (medicine, nursing, physiotherapy, nutrition sciences, pharmacy, midwifery, kinesiology),science(microbiology,biology,environmentalsciences,statistics),arts (sociology,psychology,anthropology)appliedsciences(engineering)orbusiness.it is also aimed at professionals who have worked in public health, perhaps in a leadershiprole,andwhowishtoextendtheirknowledgeinpublichealthmethods andapplications. Graduateswillbepreparedto: a)identifyandassessthehealthneedsofpopulations; b)plan,implementandevaluatepoliciesandprogramstoaddresstheseneeds; c)createconditionsthatprotectthehealthofcommunitiesandtheirenvironments incanadaandaroundtheworld. Howlongwillittakeandwhatisinvolved? Theprogramtakes18Y24monthstocomplete.Itconsistsof42credits,ofwhich21 arerequiredcredits,15electivecredits,anda6creditpracticum.requiredcourses include epidemiology, statistics, core biologic concepts, issues and concepts in publichealth,programplanningandevaluation,andpublichealthleadership. 3 December 2010

4 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents TheUniversityofBritishColumbia, SchoolofPopulationandPublicHealth MasterofPublicHealthPracticum CalendarEntrySPPH508,MPHPracticum Credits:6 NumberofInstructors:1YPracticumDirector Prerequisites:Thepracticumwillcommenceafterthefirsttermhasbeen completed,includingspph400,502,524,and525. SPPH400:StatisticsforHealthResearch SPPH502:EpidemiologicMethods(1) SPPH524:BiologyofPublicHealthDiseases SPPH525:IssuesinPublicHealth GeneralCourse(Practicum)Description: The practicum provides students with a minimum 12 weeks supervised field experience in community health agency so as to integrate the course work and further the development of practical skills in community health. The student contributestoacommunity sresourcesandtoaddressingapublichealthproblem whiledevelopingpersonalconfidenceandskillsasapublichealthprofessional. Appropriate settings for the practicum include public health units in Regional Health Authorities in BC and in other provinces, BC Ministry of Health Services or BCMinistryofSportandHealthyLiving,aswellasfederalsettingssuchasthePublic HealthAgencyofCanada,andtheFirstNationsandInuitHealthatHealthCanada. Public health research settings, such as the Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), Occupational Health and Safety Agency for HealthcareinBC(OHSAH)andtheBCCancerAgencywouldbeappropriatevenues, too. Thepracticumwillnormallytakeplaceinasingletermafterthecompletionofthe prerequisites. After consultation with their faculty advisor, some students may completetheirpracticumonaparttimebasisovertwoterms. 4 December 2010

5 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents LearningObjectives: Identifytheinformationandsourcesofinformationnecessaryforanalyzinga communityhealthproblem. Applythebasicprinciplesofepidemiology,biostatistics,anddemographyto community health needs assessment and/or the investigation of specific communicable disease and/or nonycommunicable disease or health issues. Whilethefieldexperienceshouldincludetheanalysisofdataataminimum, a significant component of interpretation of epidemiologic data, critical appraisal of epidemiologic studies, or other opportunities to apply epidemiologicprinciplesisalsoexpected. Gain experience using commonly available statistical/database computer packagessuchasepiyinfo,sas,spss,excel,lotus,dybase,foxpro,etc. Communicate health information to lay and/or professional audiences in writtenformats,forexample,thewritingandlayoutofahealthstatusreport or a part thereof, and/or the preparation of other documents pertaining to workconductedduringthepracticum.inaddition,eachstudentisexpected tomakeanoralpresentationtoanappropriateaudienceinthefieldsetting, andanoralpresentationattheuniversity.. Understandthestructure,roles,andfunctioningofoneormorecommunity health agencies, including the roles of various professionals, and in particular,therolesofanepidemiologistworkingwithinsuchanagency. AcquireinYdepthknowledgeonspecifichealthissuesencounteredduringthe practicum, as well as general knowledge of current health problems in Canadiancommunitiesandstrategiesfortheirpreventionandcontrol. TopicalOutline: The practicum experience consists of the application of knowledge and skills through fieldwork placement. Practicum activities will vary depending on student interest but will be of relevance to the practicum agency. The student will discuss available placements with their academic MPH advisor. The academic supervisor willassistthestudenttoidentifyrealisticgoalsandspecificlearningobjectivesfor the practicum and may assist with the identification of potential practica. The academicsupervisorwillberesponsibleforoverseeingtheacademicaspectsofthe student spracticumtoensurethatitwillmeetthelearningneedsofthestudentand academic requirements of the program. The supervisor may at the request of the student,fieldybasedpracticumsupervisor,orpracticumdirector,attendtheinterim and/orfinalevaluation. Detailsoftheproposedpracticumactivitieswillbeoutlinedinalearningcontract (appendix( 2) to be signed by the student, their academic advisor in the MPH 5 December 2010

6 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents program,thepracticumdirector,andthefieldsupervisor.thecontractincludesa narrativedescriptionofthepracticumsiteandproject,specificlearningobjectives for the student, activities to achieve these objectives, the proposed outcome or deliverable for the practicum and assessment methods specific to the practicum activitiesandoutcomes. FieldsupervisorswillhaveanMHSc,MSc,MPH,orPhDinapublichealthdiscipline or equivalent training and experience, will have an academic affiliation, and will havepreviousexperienceworkingwithstudents. The Practicum Director will be responsible for adjudicating concerns that come forward from the agency regarding the student s preparation, performance, or professionalbehaviour.thiscourseisfullycompliantwiththepublichealthagency ofcanadaguidelines,referencedbelow. Studentsareexpectedtomeetprofessionalstandardsofconduct,includingrespect for the confidentiality of health or other information on individuals that they may encounter as part of their practicum experience, as well as respect for the confidentiality of agency information. Students are also expected to exhibit responsiblebehaviourregardingattendanceandinterestinagencyactivities. References: MPHPracticumGuidelines ASupplementtotheGuidelinesforMPHProgramsin Canada (2006), Education Working Group, Public Health Human Resources Task Group, Public Health Agency of Canada, Draft 3.0, September 1, MethodofEvaluation: Practica are evaluated on a pass/fail basis. An interim evaluation of the student s performance will be conducted by the field supervisor, reviewed with the student andforwardedtothepracticumdirector.thefinalevaluationwillbebasedonthe objectivesinthelearningcontractincludingthequalityofthefinal)reportand/or other deliverables. Once the field supervisor has approved the project and deliverable the Program Director will review this material and recommend for or againstcredit. In addition, each student will submit an evaluation of the practicum placement to thepracticumdirector. 6 December 2010

7 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents Stepsforstudentsarrangingpracticumplacements WhenshouldIdomypracticum? The practicum can be commenced after the prerequisite courses are completed. Practicum placements may be arranged for January of the second year i.e. after completion of all 3 semesters of course work or during the summer after two semesters of course work. There are advantages to both. In the January of the secondyearthestudentwillhavecompletedallcoreandelectivecoursesandhavea greater breadth and depth of knowledge and have less competition from other Universitiesforpracticumplacements.Practicaofferachancetoexplorethekinds of jobs the students may take up upon completion of the MPH program. Students whocompletetheirpracticuminthesummerafter2semestersofcourseworkmay completetheprogramrequirementsearlier.thepracticummaybecompletedfully timeorpartytime. WhereshouldIdomypracticum? This will depend on past experience and career plans. Students are encouraged to explore placements in areas outside of their previous/current work experience to broaden their knowledge and skills. The practicum may occur in BC, elsewhere in Canadaorabroad.Itcanbeexploredfromthelistofpotentialplacementsitesoryou candevelopauniqueexperiencetailoredtoyourinterestsandneeds. WillIgetpaid? Although funding may be available at some sites, it is not guaranteed. Clarify this early to avoid disappointment or miscommunication. For students who are not remuneratedbytheplacementsiteorhaveunyreimbursedtravelexpenses,funding up to 2,500 is available through the School of Population and Public Health to supportthestudent spracticumexpenses.toapplyforfundingpleasecompletethe fundingapplicationform(appendix3)thereareotherpotentialsourcesoffunding for practicum placements. Please contact the MPH administrative staff for a list of sourcesandapplicationclosingdates. 7 December 2010

8 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents HowdoImakeithappen? Thepracticumplacementsiteisyourchoiceandresponsibility.Startthinkingearly, at least four months before the practicum is due to begin. Talk to your advisor, faculty members and other students and the practicum director. The placement formmustbecompletedbythepracticumsite(field)supervisorandthenapproved bythepracticumdirector.afterdiscussionwiththepracticumdirector 1) Contactthesitedirectlytoexploredetailsandopportunities. a. Providethesitewithpracticumdetails/expectationsandyourCV b. Ensure an appropriately qualified supervisor is willing to supervise youandisawareoftheexpectations c. Discusspotentialopportunitiesandagreethescopeofpracticum 2) Develop a practicum/project proposal outlininglearningobjectives, activities,timelinesandoutcomes a. Make sure it is realistic and doable and includes proposed output (publicinformationsheets,reports,manuscriptforpublication). b. Consider specifics and potential delaysy isethicsnecessary,data availableinatimelyfashionetc. 3) Get practicum proposal approved by field supervisor and practicum director 4) Practicumlearningcontractwillbedevelopedpriortopracticumstartand signedbystudent,fieldsupervisorandpracticumdirector.itwillinclude a. deliverables,studentsresponsibilitiesandobligations. b. confidentiality and privacy and intellectual property issues Y ownershipofresearch,data,authorship. c. Fundingifappropriate d. Commitmenttoregularmeetingsincludingmidtermreview e. Final evaluationy by supervisor of student, and by student of supervisor Thenwhat? The practicum is graded as pass/fail. In addition to the agreed final practicum report/deliverable,thestudentwillproduceabrief(onepage)practicumsummary describing their practicum experience. It will greatly assist the program and studentsconsideringfutureplacements.therewillbeapresentationsessionwhen students will present their practicum placements to each other, faculty and new students,usuallyintheformofanoralorpostersessionheldatubc.studentsare encouragedtopublishtheirpracticumworkinapeerreviewjournal. 8 December 2010

9 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents Studentresponsibilitieschecklist Identifypracticumsite/agency(4monthsbeforepracticum) Communicatewithpotentialsupervisor Ensurepracticumform(availableonline)iscompletedbysupervisor Developpracticumproposalwithlearningobjectiveswithinputfromsupervisor Getpracticumproposalapprovedbyfieldsupervisorandpracticumdirector Negotiatethelearningcontractwithfieldsupervisorandpracticumdirector Studentsareresponsiblefortheirowntransportationandlivingcosts. Attend committee meetings, departmental or other meetings, asassignedbythe field supervisor to learn the agency structure, function and professional roles. Activelyparticipatewhereappropriateasdeterminedbyfieldsupervisor. Ensurefieldsupervisorhasinterimandfinalevaluationforms, and that these are completedandsubmittedbytheagreeduponduedates. StudentshouldmeetwithsupervisortodiscussevaluationsandcoYsigntheforms (Interimandfinal)studentensuresformssubmittedtopracticumdirector Complete the deliverables, and once approved by field supervisor submit to practicumdirector ResponsibilitiesofFieldSupervisors Completepracticumform(availableonline) Ifable/willingtoacceptstudentgiveinputintoandapprovepracticumproposal Negotiate the learning contact with the student prior to the beginning of the placement,reviseitwiththestudentasnecessaryduringthepracticum Whileastipendisnotanabsoluterequirement,financialsupportisagreathelpto studentswhohavenoothersourceofincomeduringthepracticum. Arrangestudentorientationtotheagencyinfirstweekofpracticum Providestudentwithappropriateworkarea,including,ataminimum,deskspace, accesstoatelephone,acomputerwiththenecessarysoftware,andreimbursement when assignments require travel or other outyofypocket expenditures by the student. DayYtoYdayresponsibilityforthestudentinthefieldsettingandassignactivities. Provide onygoing supervision and monitoring of the student s performance, includingregularmeetings,atleastweekly. Completetheevaluationformsanddiscusswithstudentbeforesubmission o Interim evaluation halfway through the practicum and revisit learning contract o Finalevaluationform;usuallysubmittedwiththe deliverable. Thefieldsupervisorshouldarrangeforthestudenttomakeapresentationoftheir practicumprojecttoanappropriateaudience. 9 December 2010

10 MPHPracticumGuideforSupervisorsandStudents i) ii) iii) iv) GUIDELINEFORAPPROVALOFPRACTICUMPLACEMENTS ABROADINTHEMASTERSOFPUBLICHEALTH Prior to foreign placements being approved, the Practicum Director and academicadvisorwillperformduediligencetoensurethatthesituationissafe andadvisableforanygivenstudent Thisshallinclude: The practicum director, academic advisor and UBC supervisor(if there is one)and/orstudentcommunicatingwith: a) b) c) Thefieldplacementsupervisor. Previousstudentswhohavebeenonplacementatthatsite. The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Canadian Embassy, Consulate, or High Commission in the country in which the placementisproposed. Ensuringthatthestudentisfullyinformedofthesituationinthecountryof theproposedrotation Ensuring that the student has an appropriate emergency/evacuation plan shouldtheneedarise Ensuringthatthestudenthasadequateindividualfundsorsponsorshipto completetherotationandbeevacuated,ifnecessary v) Communication/contactfrequencyofstudentandUBCfacultyagreedupon e.g.onarrivalandevery2weeks vi) UBCfacultyhaveacontactinthefieldorwhowillknowthewhereaboutsof thestudentatalltimes 10 December 2010