Saudi FETP

Planning and conducting a properly designed study to answer a study question is the hallmark of Epidemiology. As part of

this unit, each resident shall design and execute a comprehensive study on priority public health concerns of the Kingdom.

Objectives:

To develop the ability to identify a priority public health problem

To develop the skills to design, conduct and analyze an epidemiologic study to solve this problem

To present the study findings for peer review

Activities:

The trainee will perform the following activities under the close supervision of his/her supervisor

identify a priority public health problem for epidemiologic investigation

carry out a thorough literature review to study the current knowledge on the issue, refine the study question and

select an appropriate methodology to study the problem

prepare a study proposal for approval by the University or FETP research committee

make a presentation to the study review committee for their comments and approval

submit ‘Project title approval form’ along with the proposal to the FETP course coordinator

Plan and manage logistic arrangements for the study

Collect and analyze the data in line with the study objectives

Present the findings of study while drawing sound scientific conclusions

Suggest suitable recommendation based on the findings of study.

Present the study in the pattern of dissertation of 3,000-4,000 words, conforming to the guidelines given in relevant

section.

Present the finding of the study at scientific presentation seminars

SUPERVISION AND FOLLOW-UP:

A consultant or a team of a specialist and a consultant of FETP or DCFM-KSU, will supervise closely the planning,

conduction, data analysis, report writing and presentation of study.

Before embarking upon the data collection resident has to submit ‘Project title approval form’ along with the

proposal to the FETP course coordinator and make a presentation to the study review committee for their comments

and approval.

TIME SCHEDULE AND SUBMISSION OF REPORTS:

For long project, during the summer term of first year and first term 2nd year the resident will identify the problem,

carry out literature review and develop the study protocol under guidance of his/her supervisor. Final report will be

submitted by 15th of September of 2nd academic year.

The submission of the reports comprise of Final report for the university, Arabic report for the Ministry of Health,

Report for Epidemiologic Bulletin, Power-point presentation and a disk with all data and reports. In case any of the

above components is missing, the report will not be treated as submitted.

EVALUATION:

Long project will be assessed against a total of 400 marks, with a pass percentage of 70%.

40% of the total marks (i.e. 160 marks) will be evaluated by the supervisor of study for ongoing evaluation of the

resident’s study related activities (planning, field work, data analysis, report writing).

The resident should score at least 50% of these marks before his written report can be submitted to university.

60% of the total marks (i.e. 240 marks) will be evaluated by the examiner, assigned by the University, on the basis of

final report submitted.

Written report will be evaluated on the following criteria, which will carry 60% of the total score: Abstract 5%;

Introduction 5%; Literature Review 15%; Methods 15%; Results 25%; Discussion 25%; References and appendices 5%;

and General layout 5%.