Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, Education and Research

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VOLUME 54 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2020 ) > List of Articles

COMMENTARY

Short-term Impact of a Web-based COVID-19 Certificate Program on Knowledge of Global Public Health Professionals

Citation Information : Short-term Impact of a Web-based COVID-19 Certificate Program on Knowledge of Global Public Health Professionals. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2020; 54 (3):150-157.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10028-1406

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2020

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Introduction: Despite global strategies for containment adopted so far, the incidence of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) continues to rise across the globe transcending borders and cultures. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the impact of short-term Web-based COVID-19 certificate program on knowledge of global public health professionals in managing the corona pandemic in their respective countries. Materials and methods: A series of three webinars were conducted by the Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, PGIMER, Chandigarh, between April and May 2020. The program was supported by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Scheme. The program focused on imparting basic knowledge about COVID-19 pandemic and its management to mid- and senior-level healthcare professionals, including program managers, academicians, researchers, and policymakers. The topics covered included 28 lectures under eight modules demonstrating good practices of India ranging from hospital management to field-based surveillance and administrative aspects. Results: A total of 131 participants from 17 countries of 5 continents (Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Oceania) attended the program. Majority of participants were clinicians (n = 55, 42%) followed by other healthcare staff, viz., lab technicians, pharmacists, information technology managers (n = 42, 32.1%), academicians (n = 19, 1.5%), and public health professionals (n = 15, 11.5%). There was a significant increase in participant's knowledge score (p < 0.0001) after the all three programs. Majority (93.1%) of participants felt the program was excellent or very good, especially on relevancy of the program (74.4%) and its application in the workplace (74.4%). Conclusion: The program has not only successfully shown its effectiveness in increasing the knowledge and skills of global participants in managing corona pandemic but also helped in enhancing image of country by showcasing best practices of India to global participants.


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