Target Audience:

• MBBS graduates and medical officers
• General practitioners (GPs)
• Postgraduate trainees in family medicine and primary care
• Nurses and allied healthcare professionals involved in primary healthcare

Duration:

• Basic Level: 3 months
• Advanced Level: 6-12 months

Mode of Delivery:

• Hybrid: Online lectures, in-person workshops, practical clinical training, case discussions, and group work

Course Objectives:

1. Equip participants with the core skills required to manage a wide range of conditions in primary care.
2. Develop proficiency in patient history-taking, clinical examination, and decision-making.
3. Enhance knowledge of preventive healthcare and public health initiatives.
4. Foster an understanding of the unique healthcare needs of the Bangladeshi population.
5. Promote the development of a holistic, patient-centered approach in practice.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Foundations of General Practice (Month 1)

• Overview of General Practice:
  • Role of general practitioners in the healthcare system
  • Common challenges faced by GPs in Bangladesh
  • Ethical and professional responsibilities of a general practitioner
• Patient History and Examination:
  • Techniques for thorough patient history-taking
  • Clinical examination skills: Systematic approach to physical assessment
  • Effective communication with patients

Module 2: Common Medical Conditions in General Practice (Months 2-3)

• Cardiovascular Conditions:
  • Hypertension: Diagnosis, treatment, and management
  • Ischemic heart disease and heart failure
  • Peripheral vascular disease
• Respiratory Conditions:
  • Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI)
  • Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Tuberculosis (TB) management
• Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders:
  • Diagnosis and management of Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity and metabolic syndrome
• Infectious Diseases:
  • Common viral and bacterial infections in the community
  • Preventive strategies (vaccination, hygiene)
  • Malaria, dengue, and typhoid

Module 3: Pediatric and Geriatric Care (Month 4)

• Pediatric Care in General Practice:
  • Vaccination schedules and preventive care
  • Common childhood illnesses (e.g., respiratory infections, gastroenteritis)
  • Growth and development milestones
• Geriatric Care:
  • Managing chronic conditions in the elderly (e.g., arthritis, dementia)
  • Polypharmacy and medication management in older adults
  • Fall prevention and mobility issues

Module 4: Women’s Health (Month 5)

• Reproductive Health:
  • Antenatal care and family planning
  • Menstrual disorders and menopause management
  • Common gynecological conditions (e.g., urinary tract infections, PCOS)
• Breast Health:
  • Breast cancer screening and education
  • Management of benign breast lumps and infections

Module 5: Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Care (Month 6)

• Musculoskeletal Conditions:
  • Management of joint pain, osteoarthritis, and back pain
  • Acute injuries: Sprains, fractures, and soft tissue injuries
  • Gout and rheumatoid arthritis management
• Dermatology in General Practice:
  • Common skin conditions: Acne, eczema, and psoriasis
  • Management of fungal and bacterial skin infections
  • Skin cancer prevention and early detection

Module 6: Mental Health and Behavioral Issues (Month 7)

• Mental Health Disorders:
  • Depression, anxiety, and stress management
  • Common mood disorders: Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
  • Screening and referral for mental health services
• Addiction and Substance Use Disorders:
  • Identifying and managing substance abuse (alcohol, tobacco, drugs)
  • Counseling and support for addiction recovery
• Crisis Intervention:
  • Managing mental health emergencies and referrals

Module 7: Preventive Care and Public Health (Month 8)

• Preventive Medicine:
  • Health promotion and lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, smoking cessation)
  • Screening programs (e.g., cancer, diabetes, hypertension)
  • Early detection and intervention strategies
• Community Health and Health Education:
  • Conducting health education sessions and public health campaigns
  • Addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations in Bangladesh
  • Role of general practitioners in disaster preparedness and management

Module 8: Diagnostic Skills and Clinical Decision Making (Month 9)

• Diagnostic Techniques:
  • Laboratory tests: Understanding basic blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging studies
  • ECG, X-ray, and ultrasound in primary care
• Clinical Decision Making:
  • Differential diagnosis and clinical reasoning
  • Referral protocols: When to refer to specialists
  • Managing uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment

Module 9: Practical Skills and Clinical Rotation (Months 10-12)

• Clinical Rotations:
  • Hands-on experience in primary care settings: Outpatient clinics, health centers
  • Exposure to hospital and emergency room rotations for a broader clinical experience
• Procedure Workshops:
  • Basic procedures: Suturing, wound care, venipuncture, and IV insertion
  • Performing basic diagnostic tests: Urinalysis, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria, etc.
  • Patient counseling skills for chronic disease management

Assessment and Certification:

• Basic Level:
  • Written exams (MCQs and case-based questions)
  • Clinical skills assessment through OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination)
• Advanced Level:
  • Comprehensive final exam (theoretical and practical components)
  • Submission of a portfolio (including case studies, research, or quality improvement projects)
  • Viva voce with faculty