Embedding health protection practice into the UTAS Public Health program

Authors and presenter*

• Michelle McPherson, Tasmanian School of Medicine Health Innovation Program, CoHM*

• Silvana Bettiol, Tasmanian School of Medicine Health Innovation Program, CoHM

• Nicola Stephens, Tasmanian School of Medicine Health Innovation Program, CoHM

Abstract

Health protection practice was embedded into the UTAS Public Health program in 2020 to address the skills gap identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this presentation, we showcase our modular education pathway, with a learning by doing approach and partnerships with practicing health protection colleagues.

To ensure more health workers receive essential training in this field, a modular education pathway was rapidly developed to meet diverse training needs and provide flexible study options. Students can take a short course in Outbreak Management or Public Health Surveillance, credit them toward a Graduate Certificate in Health Protection and then continue to a Master of Public Health with research projects linked to health protection practice.

Our teaching philosophy is one of learning by doing, whereby experiential learning is achieved by integrating real life tasks into learning objectives, activities and assessments. This ensures students gain relevant skills and complete practical tasks authentic to the health protection workplace. Lecturers with workplace experience further enhance the practical application of the content.

Our innovative approach of curriculum delivery is also an exemplar of partnering with industry to provide fit-for-purpose curriculum and excellent graduate outcomes. The content was developed in conjunction with Tasmanian Public Health Services and is directly relevant to the work conducted at public health units across Australia. We have also partnered with Tasmanian Public Health Services to conduct student research projects relevant to the Tasmanian context.

These strengths may be useful to others at UTAS for embedding authentic, real-life experiences into their teaching, as well as offering a flexible education pathway.