13562 (v.2) Primary Health Care 590

Area:	School of Public Health
Credits:	25.0
Contact Hours:	3.0
Lecture:	1 x 3 Hours Weekly
Syllabus:	Provides the basis for understanding the role, limitations and implementation of primary health care systems in lower income countries. Case studies will be used to illustrate differing approaches. The primary health care treatment and prevention of the major causes of morbidity, mortality and disability will be discussed. Explores the determinants of health in lower income countries, the history of primary health care, the health care of isolated and deprived groups, traditional and auxiliary health workers and ethical issued in primary health care. Participation in classes and tutorials is required.

Unit Outcomes:	On successful completion of this unit students will be able to - Demonstrate a knowledge of a range of models of primary health systems and their financing. Understand the epidemiological principles of surveys in primary health care and needs. Describe and analyse disease patterns seen in primary health care. Describe the special needs of children in primary health care, including immunisation. Demonstrate a knowledge of treatment using the "essential drugs" as defined by the World Health Organisation. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of health promotion in the prevention of morbidity and mortality in lower income countries. Appreciate the role of different health practitioner categories in the provision of primary health care. Discuss the ethical issues in the delivery of primary health care. Demonstrate a knowledge of comparative primary health care.
Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.
Unit References:	Shein K. and Gaitonde B.B., (2000), Essential Drugs for Primary Health Care - A Manual for Health Care Workers, 3rd ed., SEARO Regional Health Papers, No 16. Ulijaszek S.J., (Ed.), (2000), Health Intervention for Less Developed Nations, (Biosocial Society Series, 7), Oxford University Press. El Bindari-Hammad A. and Smith D.L., (1992), Primary Health Care Reviews Guidelines and Methods, Geneva, WHO. WHO Report, The Community Health Worker Working Guide, Guidelines for Training, Guidelines for Adaptation, 1987.
Unit Texts:	Kari S., Lankinen, et al., (1994), Health and Disease in Developing Countries, Basingstoke, MacMillan. Werner D., Thurman C. and Maxwell J., (1996), Where There Is No Doctor, Revised ed., San Francisco, Hesperian Foundation.