Master of Philosophy in Emergency Medicine

Purpose

This qualification will develop a group of highly competent Emergency Care Workers with Clinical, Management and Research skills to promote Emergency Care in South Africa.

The Research component will develop a foundation to promote and foster Emergency Care Research in South Africa, encourage Evidence-Based practice and develop locally appropriate policies.

The aim is to produce Masters qualifying learners who can competently manage complex emergency cases, through clinical supervision in emergency cases and clinical based modules. Qualifying learners will be able to analyse and assimilate the medical literature and develop evidence-based practices, to follow their training in critical appraisal and clinical decision-making skills. Qualifying learners should be able to plan, evaluate and manage Emergency Care systems, following their modules on systems development. They will be taught how to co-ordinate research projects and principals of research methodology, clinical epidemiology and biostatistics. They will learn how to competently train junior staff and facilitate learning in the emergency environment.

The Master of Philosophy: Emergency Medicine will be open to Doctors, Nurses and Paramedics in Emergency Care.

Rationale

South Africa faces many healthcare challenges. Our Healthcare system is severely overburdened and the epidemics of HIV/AIDS and Trauma require that a significant amount of time, resources and skills are spent managing acute emergencies. Emergency Medicine is a relatively new speciality, and while specialist services are always required, there is a need to upgrade the knowledge and skills all individuals working in Emergency Care environments.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.

In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Emergency Medicine, NQF Level 8.

The qualification consists of compulsory modules, practical work and research as well as a minimum of one elective module chosen from a prescribed list, totalling a minimum or 180 credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Emergency Care I, 10 Credits.
• Emergency Care II, 10 Credits.
• Clinical Research Methods I, 10 Credits.
• Clinical Research Methods II, 15 Credits.
• Resuscitation and Critical Care, 15 Credits.
• Emergency Care Systems and Management, 15 Credits.
• Logbook (Practicals), 40 Credits.
• A Research Thesis, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules

At least one of the following modules is to be completed

• Basic Medical Rescue, 10 Credits.
• Disaster Medicine, 15 Credits.
• Education and Training in Emergency Care, 10 Credits.
• Primary Health Care for Emergency Care Workers, 10 Credits.
• Ultrasound in Emergency Care, 15 Credits.

1. Manage complex emergency cases, through clinical supervision in Emergency Care Centres.
2. Analyse and assimilate medical literature and develop evidence-based practices.
3. Plan, evaluate and manage Emergency Care systems.
4. Co-ordinate research projects and apply principles of research methodology, clinical epidemiology and biostatistics.
5. Train junior staff and facilitate learning in an emergency environment.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcome

• Manage emergencies through the application of knowledge under supervision with other members of the emergency care unit.
• Evaluate specialised emergency care services at the district, the provincial or national level within the constraints of National Health Policy and international guidelines and in different settings in terms of their efficacy and recommendations made on possible improvements, which could include own protocols.
• Apply advanced research methods in investigating complex and/or ill-defined problems in emergency care education, management and practice.
• Identify a relevant research topic.
• Apply appropriate research methodology, source, analyse and synthesise the data information.
• Make recommendations based on the research done that can inform emergency care tourism practice and operations and related aspects of emergency care.
• Ensure that the dissertation meets the necessary standard in terms of quality standards in terms of both format and content.

Integrated Assessment

Each module will have continuous formative assessments, and summative assessments will be done at the end of each module. Clinical skills will be assessed at each clinical session.

Case studies and assignments will be done on a biweekly basis in core modules. Logbooks will be reviewed by the Faculty every quarter. Mentors will visit working environments once every semester.

Assessment process will be in line with the Assessment policy at the institution.