Canadian University Projects in International Development Database (CUPID)
Program details
Asia
Laos
Lao Human Resources for Community Health
| Canadian partner: | University of Calgary | |
|---|---|---|
| Developing country partner: | University of Health Sciences | |
| Project duration: | April 2004 - September 2010 |
Project purpose:
The purpose of the project is to strengthen the capacity of the Lao University of Health Sciences (UHS) to address the training needs of health workers in the country.
Key results to date:
This project contributed to the Faculty of Medical Sciences being christened the University of Health Sciences (UHS). The five-year medical curriculum was completely reformed and a two-year Family Medicine Specialization was created. The first year of the Family Medicine specialization takes place in Vientiane and the second year is based in the rural training nodes. Seventy-six (31 F) family physicians completed the program; 52 are now serving in provincial and district hospitals in 13 provinces; 15 in central institutions; and 7 are waiting for placement. An additional 32 (24F) are still in training.
The curriculum places a strong emphasis on community health needs and clinical skills, and is more relevant and responsive to local and national health needs.
Approximately 163 teachers were involved in reforming the undergraduate curriculum to better meet national priorities and rural health needs. Teachers learned improved methods of teaching, learning and evaluation. Approximately168 students and 16 teachers supported remote village needs assessments to inform curriculum revision. Four rural health service nodes were developed. Twenty-one faculty are now engaged in rural family medicine teacher training and 80 rural teachers are now active.