Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology

Purpose

Clinical Epidemiology is the science of applying the best available research evidence to patient care. It uses the methods of Epidemiology to find scientifically valid answers to questions concerning diagnosis, prevention, therapy, prognosis and aetiology, thus improving the evidence base for the care of individual patients.

The course offers rigorous methodological training for those with a background or experience in a health-related discipline who wish to pursue a career in clinical research or evidence-based practice. The qualification would also be of interest to potential Researchers who require robust training in research techniques, including advanced concepts and methods of Epidemiology.

The target group for the qualification (or for specific units of it) would include professionals and workers currently working in, or intending to work in, clinical trial units, or engaged in decision making at a Managerial, Financial and Clinical level. The qualification is aimed at health professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of epidemiological methods in clinical practice, evidence based decision making, clinical guideline preparation and quality assurance in clinical practice. Aspects of this qualification would strengthen the rigour and core research components of other existing Masters qualifications.

An estimated 450 Medical Specialists in training (registrars) in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Stellenbosch are now required to complete a clinical research assignment towards the Master of Medicine (MMed) Degree. There are also over 6300 Postgraduate learners in Medicine, Nursing, Physiotherapy and Human Nutrition. Inadequate research training and supervision represents a missed opportunity for providing Postgraduate Clinicians with the skills necessary to conduct quality clinical research at the Masters' level and beyond. This situation is neither desirable for the learner, who may not be receiving proper institutional support, nor the institution that may be exposed to the risks of poor research conduct. These issues are compounded by the current reality that the supervisors of Postgraduate research may also not have had formal or appropriate training in research methodology. Clinical Researchers are coming under increasingly rigorous peer and public scrutiny, and they must therefore ensure that their research is ethically and scientifically beyond reproach. The lack of a career track in clinical research is a key concern of young researchers in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. These individuals contribute substantially to the research output of the Faculty, may act as clinical research mentors and are necessary for building a culture of research excellence in the Faculty. Paucity of opportunities within the Faculty of Health Sciences will result in the loss of these promising researchers. The qualification seeks to address these gaps. Training of more people to both produce and mentor excellent clinical research forms a key part of this initiative to build research capacity in the Faculty.

Rationale

Clinical Epidemiology is the Science of applying the best available research evidence to patient care. It uses the methods of Epidemiology to find scientifically valid answers to questions concerning diagnosis, prevention, therapy, prognosis and aetiology, thus improving the evidence base for the care of individual patients. Building capacity of health professionals to practice in an evidence-informed way, and to conduct rigorous research, is central to advancing the practice and teaching of Clinical Epidemiology, with the ultimate aim of improving health outcomes and patient care. This applies to all healthcare professionals. Masters level training in Clinical Epidemiology build capacity in both using and conducting research to inform healthcare practices.

The Master of Science (MSc) Epidemiology (Evidence Based Health Care) will be promoting excellence in clinical research. Evidence Based Health Care should contribute to new scientific knowledge and also support the application of knowledge gained to improve health care delivery by deepening the understanding of epidemiological methods, evidence based decision making, and quality assurance in health care delivery. Clinical Epidemiology cuts across all health disciplines and areas and research conducted within this qualification will focus on high priority conditions and strategies to make a considerable contribution in reducing the disease burden in the region.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University of Stellenbosch has a comprehensive policy for the Recognition of Prior Learning. Students may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning for structured modules completed outside of the programme. A formal application is made to the programme committee with supporting documentation. If found to be equivalent to the relevant structured module, the proposal for recognition of prior learning will be discussed and approved at the divisional Postgraduate committee where after the faculty postgraduate committee will endorse it.

Entry Requirements

For admission to the Master of Science (MSc) Clinical Epidemiology qualification the candidate shall hold

• A Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) or equivalent Degree.

Or

• A four-year professional Bachelors' Degree in a health-related discipline.

Or

• A Bachelor of Science Honours (BScHons) Degree of this University or another recognised university.

Or

• An equivalent qualification approved by Senate.

International learners need to provide proof of equivalence of Degrees obtained at non-South African institutions. This requires submission of a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) certificate at the time of application.

Mathematics at National Senior Certificate (NSC) level, Computer Literacy and fluency in written and spoken English are further requirements for admission to the qualification. All international learners (from non-English speaking countries) are required to submit official documentary evidence of their competence in English with their application.

The qualification consists of modules with a total of 120 Credits and a research project of 60 Credits. Learners shall complete ten modules - eight compulsory and two elective modules. The choice of elective modules depends on meeting relevant pre-requisites for the module and avoiding timetable clashes with core modules. Elective modules require a minimum number of 10 learners.

Compulsory Modules

• Fundamentals of Epidemiology, 12 Credits.
• Diagnosis and Screening, 12 Credits.
• Randomised Controlled Trials, 12 Credits.
• Biostatistics I, 12 Credits.
• Writing and Reviewing Scientific Papers, 12 Credits.
• Research Proposal Writing and Grantsmanship, 12 Credits.
• Biostatistics II, 12 Credits.
• Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules (Choose two)

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Guidelines, 12 Credits.
• Teaching Evidence-based Health Care, 12 Credits.
• Economic Evaluation in Health Care, 12 Credits.
• Qualitative Research Methods for Health, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Health Systems and Services Research, 12 Credits.
• Survey methods, 12 Credits.
• Monitoring and evaluation research, 12 Credits.

Research Project

• Research Project, 60 Credits.

1. The aim of the qualification is to develop skills in Clinical Epidemiology which involves the use of quantitative methods to find scientifically valid answers to questions concerning diagnosis, prevention, therapy, prognosis and aetiology, thus improving the evidence-base for the care of individual patients.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Have a working knowledge of epidemiological and biostatistical methods.
• Critically appraise the full range of clinical research literature and use research to make evidence-based health care decisions.
• Apply key health economic concepts and principles in healthcare decision making.
• Understand the requirements for obtaining ethics approval for research.
• Write a research protocol and prepare an application for funding.
• Carry out a primary and secondary clinical research project.
• Conduct statistical analysis.
• Write up the research findings for publication.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is based on course objectives.

Formative and summative assessment of modules (120 Credits) shall be conducted through written examinations, oral presentations, written assignments and participation in discussions. A pass mark of 50% is required for each module with a subminimum of 45% on formative as well as summative assessment. A candidate who fails any module may be denied the right to reregister for the qualification. The learner shall be required to participate successfully and to integrate knowledge in projects, reports and assignments.

The completed research project shall be submitted in the prescribed format and shall be assessed by both internal and external examiners.