Second African Course in Pharmacotherapy Teaching
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COURSE ANNOUNCEMENT - CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS
The University of Cape Town, in collaboration with the World Health Organi-
sation Drug Action Programme, will be holding the
SECOND AFRICAN COURSE IN PHARMACOTHERAPY TEACHING
24 November - 6 December 1997
University of Cape Town, South Africa
COURSE OBJECTIVE
To teach teachers of pharmacology and therapeutics to equip their students
with adequate skills and knowledge to prescribe drugs rationally. The
course will enable participants to plan, develop and implement this prob-
lem-based teaching method at their local medical school or teaching insti-
tution.
Since few lecturers are solely involved in undergraduate teaching, addi-
tional modules on related issues such as distance learning programmes,
pharmaco-vigilence, applied research and medicines information will be
scheduled.
COURSE RATIONALE
Irrational drug choice is prevalent in both the industrialised and develop-
ing countries. As a result drug therapy may prove ineffective, unnecessar-
ily expensive or unsafe. Contemporary medical education emphasises diagno-
sis; undergraduate teaching in therapeutics is still a neglected topic in
most institutions. This course will assist lecturers to teach principles
of rational prescribing outlined in the WHO's Guide to Good Prescribing.
COURSE METHOD
The African Course is based on the methodology developed by the University
of Groningen, with some adaptation of the course content to better meet the
needs of therapeutics teachers in Africa. It introduces a logical, step-by-
step approach to a patient problem:
- setting therapeutic objectives,
- selecting appropriate(pharmaco)therapy, and
- monitoring the response to therapy.
It also emphasises the importance of correct prescribing and good patient-
doctor communication. These principles have been disseminated through the
Groningen Summer Course in Problem-based Pharmacotherapy over the past 4
years, and by the African Course since last year.
The additional modules will be developed to specifically target those areas
that the participants are involved in which support the rational use of
medicines. Small groups will meet with an expert in the given field, to
strengthen participants' existing programmes, and facilitate ongoing col-
laboration.
COURSE FACILITATORS
The course will be jointly facilitated by 4 lecturers in pharmacology in
South African Health Science Faculties, and a guest facilitator from the
University of Newcastle, Australia.
COURSE PARTICIPANTS
Lecturers and teachers of pharmacology and therapeutics at medical schools
and postgraduate teaching institutions are invited to participate in this
course. Unfortunately, only English-speaking participants can be accommo-
dated as the course will be conducted in English.
COURSE FEE
The course fee is US$ 3,000; including full board and lodging, tuition fees
and educational material, but excluding travel expenses.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
1 August 1997
MORE INFORMATION
For more information, and requests for application forms, please contact:
Ms Sherlayne Koonin
Research Group for Traditional Medicines
Department of Pharmacology
Medical School
University of Cape Town
Observatory 7925
South Africa
Tel: +27-21-406-6355
Fax: +27-21-448-0886
email: skoonin@uctgsh1.uct.ac.za
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