Public Health Master Programs Evaluation in the University of Georgia

1. Public Health Master Programs Evaluation in the University of Georgia Tamar Lobjanidze NatiaSkhvitadize RamazUrushadze The School of Health Sciences and Public Health at the University of Georgia Tbilisi 27/06 2012

2. Objectives: • 1. Compare the Public Health Master Programme in the University of Georgia with similar in Europe and the United States; • 2. Determination of the strategic development direction for the recent Public Health Master Programme in the University of Georgia.

3. Methodology: • Comparative analysis (Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Education Committee’s (CE) tool for MPH competence, 2007 y. version); • Experts' opinion research with Delphi method.

4. Interim Results: Tendency – UG’s public health programs are developed both in theoretical and in practical facets to a certain extent. University of Georgia’s Public Health Master Programme is compatible with modern requirements it is desirable to develop and deepen the practical and social aspects and competencies Namely, social services in the PH program, planning of social service programmes, target topics, injured groups. Intersectoral competencies in social services will be specified after the research completion.

5. Determinants for the formation of Master programs in Public Health at the University of Georgia:1. basic international and local legal regulations related to education; 2. public health competencies;3. labor market and employers

6. How does Georgia define Public Health? About Public Healthcare About Public Health Measures aimed at the improvement of health condition of the population, disease prevention and control 2007-06-27, Clause 3a) “System of state responsibilities, which aims at protecting, preserving and restoring the physical and mental health of an individual by way of supporting disease prevention, study of dissemination and hence control; adopting a healthy lifestyle and forming a safe environment for health” • 2002-11-22 Clause 3.ფ/1

7. Professional Competencies for Public Healthcare Services • Forming a system of recording and notification of infectious and non-infection diseases, analysis of obtained data and prognosis • Epidemic supervision and epidemic control aimed at revealing and studying disease sources, transmission and risk factors • Delivering information to public health services and the community and developing recommendations about the outburst, spread and control of infectious diseases • Planning activities aimed at reducing the spread and eradicating of infectious diseases, including sexually transmitted infections • Planning activities aimed at supplying safe blood • Prevention of non infection diseases (cardiovascular and oncological diseases, traumas, diseases caused by the deficiency of iodine and other microelements and vitamins) • Supporting the development of healthy lifestyle and behavioral changes • Supporting the formation an safe environment for health 2002.10 Georgian Law On Public Healthcare, Clause 85/3.

8. Criteria for the formation of a Masters program in Public Health • Masters program requirements (admission prerequisites, learning outcomes, etc.); • Public healthcare requirements on the local and international labor market • State policy and strategy in Public Health

9. UoG Public Health Program2006–2012 Social and health service management 2 12 ECTS 3 ECTS Admission Prerequisite: A Bachelor’s degree, Unified National Exams, B2 level of English

10. Research and Practice Components • Master’s thesis/ research - 30 ECTS, including 6 ECTS for research • Research and fieldwork are combined in the courses

11. What are the competencies that a modern Public Health Master should have?

12. Master’s Degree in Public Health Core Competency Discipline-specific Competencies • A. BIOSTATISTICS • B. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES • C. EPIDEMIOLOGY • D. HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENT • E. SOCIAL AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES Associatonof Schools of Public Health http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=898

13. Master’s Degree in Public Health Core Competency Interdisciplinary/Cross-cutting Competencies • COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATICS • DIVERSITY AND CULTURE • LEADERSHIP • PUBLIC HEALTH BIOLOGY • PROFESSIONALISM • PROGRAM PLANNING • SYSTEMS THINKING Associatonof Schools of Public Health http://www.asph.org/document.cfm?page=898

14. D. HEALTH POLICY AND MANAGEMENTAssociatonof Schools of Public Health

15. Master’s Degree in Public Health Core Competency Discipline-specific Competencies

16. Master’s Degree in Public Health Core CompetencyInterdisciplinary/Cross-cutting Competencies

17. Public Health and Healthcare Policy ProgramModernizationin 2013 PH and HC Policy PH and HC Policy and Social Services GOALS Training qualified professionals in Public Health, Health Policy and Management of Social Services, whose professional activities will contribute to the health condition and welfare of the population and hence help improve global health. A graduate of the Master program will have a deep knowledge of health determinants and their management on the local, country and global levels; he/she will be able to develop the strategies of health policy, elaborate prevention programs, formtarget-oriented social services and contribute to effective implementation and evaluation of the achieved results. A graduate of the Master program will have an opportunity to get employed in executive bodies and public organizations and hold high positions in public health and the social sector; they will be able to get employed in local and international NGOs focusing on public health, health policy and the formation and management of social services, medical institutions and other insurance companies GOALS • Training qualified professionals in Public Health and Health Policy, whose professional activities will contribute to the health condition and welfare of the population and hence help improve global health. • A graduate of the Master program will have a deep knowledge of health determinants and their management on the local, country and global levels; he/she will be able to develop the strategies of health policy, contribute to the implementation and assessment of the achieved results. • A graduate of the Master program will have an opportunity to get employed in executive bodies and public organizations and hold high public health positions; they will be able to get employed in local and international NGOs in the area of Public Healthcare and Health Policy, medical institutions and other insurance companies

18. Education Matrix of PH and HC Policy and Social Services Program

19. Qualification • Master of Public Health and Healthcare Policy • Master of Public Health, Healthcare Policy and Social Services

20. Basic Issues Questionnaire for ExpertsPH and HC Policy and Social Services Research and analysis duration – 3 months Sectoral Experts Employers / Public and Private Sector/ The non-governmental sector Academic Sector – Professors • Public Health • Epidemiology and Biostatistics • Public Health Management and Policy • Social Policy and Services Basic Topics: • What functions should an MPH have • Employment positions • What basic competencies should an MPH have • Knowledge and skills that must be developed, according Georgian graduates

21. Thank YOU!