Research methodology for disaster and medical humanitarian response

Disaster and population based emergencies often result in significant impacts on people’s health, including the loss of many lives. Every crisis is with its specific public health threat and presents challenges for health risk management.

Participants will have the opportunity network with peers through interactive discussions. They will receive technical training in research methods and analytical tools to examine and design evidence-based intervention to address medical needs in the context of humanitarian emergencies.   Various quantitative and qualitative tools and techniques will be discussed, including health risk assessment, disaster epidemiology as well as medical programme planning and impact evaluation for populations affected by catastrophic events.

Upon completion of the course, students should be able to:

1. Gain knowledge about health risk, impact and outcomes associated with various types of disasters;
2. Understand the current knowledge and research gap in health impact and risk of disasters;
3. Apply epidemiological techniques to examine the health impacts of disasters and conflicts;
4. Identify predicting factors associated with human health outcomes after disasters; and
5. Comprehend multi-sectoral programme planning and evaluation activities related to post-disaster health response.

Structure
The five-day course includes lectures, tutorials, and presentations. Students will be assigned with pre-course readings prior to the commencement of the course. Student evaluation will be based on an individual presentation on the last day of the course.

An excursion will be arranged for students to enjoy the natural beauty of Hong Kong.

Target Applicants
This course is open to postgraduate students and early career researchers in Hong Kong and overseas, who have an academic interest in the humanitarian and emergency response sectors. Previous training and experience in public health, medicine, emergency response or related subjects will be a definite advantage.

Language
Classes will be taught in English. English proficiency is required.

Application

Applications through online system (http://www.ccouc.ox.ac.uk/croucher-course), must be received by 30 April 2015.