GHI-Thailand 2016

Participatory Epidemiology Approach to One Health – EcoHealth  (Introduction)

Date         February 15-18, 2016

 

Venue      Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University

 

Instructors 

 

                Jeff Mariner, PhD, DVM
                         Research Professor – Tufts University, USA

                Warangkhana Chaisowwong, PhD, MVPH, DVM
                         Lecturer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University

                Terdsak Yano, MSc, DVM
                         Lecturer, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University
           

Course description

 

           This is an introductory course for future practitioners of Participatory Epidemiology (PE).

         

          Epidemiology is the study of the patterns of disease in populations in order to understand their impact, cause and identify actions that can mitigate their effect. Participation is an interactive approach that empowers people to identify and solve their own problems. Participatory epidemiology uses participatory techniques to understand the epidemiological information and knowledge contained within community knowledge systems. Its purpose is to contribute to informing health decision-making and action.

 

           Participatory techniques include activities such as semi-structured interviews, ranking and scoring techniques, interactive mapping and diagraming techniques, as well as direct observation skills.

 

         The training process is tailored to professionals and emphasizes practice and experiential learning. The first 2 days of the course will focus on principles and concepts. Thereafter, approximately 2 days will be devoted to in-class practice of participatory tools and methods. The remainder of the course will be in the field practicing techniques and planning of practical field assignment after the introductory course.

     

Course goals and objectives

 

       The goal of this course is to assist students to become proficient in the use of participatory techniques and tools for the study of epidemiological issues. The course is the first step to becoming a certified PE Practitioner by the Participatory Epidemiology Network for Animal and Public Health (PENAPH).

 

          Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
          • Explain the principles of PE 
          • Describe and demonstrate PE techniques and tools
          • Apply PE techniques and tools in the field for research, disease investigation and project design

 

Methods of instruction and work expectations
 

          This course utilizes interactive and participatory techniques. General topics are introduced in a 10 to 15 interactive discussion that may include a demonstration. Thereafter, the students are asked to practice techniques in role playing session with each other in preparation for field work. All trainees will be expected to participate in discussions and role-playing exercises.  
 

         The field practice will provide the opportunity for participants to apply PE techniques and tools in the field to solve an epidemiological problem. At least four days will be spent in the field where livestock owners and other key informants will be interviewed.