Evaluation of the Master of Science in Epidemiology (Clinical Epidemiology) Curriculum

Abstract

Objectives. To evaluate the relevance, usefulness, applicability, responsiveness, acceptability, efficiency, overall impact and sustainability of the Master of Science in Epidemiology-Clinical Epidemiology (MSE-CE) curriculum. Methods. The context, input, process and product evaluation(CIPP) design was used. Of 106 alumni and students, 100 were contacted and 80 participated in a survey. Key informant interviews, direct observation and focus group discussions with faculty members, present and past administrators, selected alumni and students, and review of data were done. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and content analysis. Results. Context evaluation revealed that MSE-CE responded to the need to train physicians to use research evidence in clinical decision-making. Despite some reservations among other UP colleges, the program pushed through due to support from local and international sponsors. Alumni and students appreciated the effectiveness of their teachers and complementing instructional resources. The range of work by its graduates, the networks established, and the expansion of the Department of Clinical Epidemiology (DCE, the UP department offering the MSE-CE program) prove that the MSE-CE is a sustainable post-graduate program. Conclusion: The MSE-CE institutionalized clinical epidemiology as a distinct discipline among medical colleges in the Philippines.