Master of Community Health Care

Course List

All candidates must take a minimum 63 credits consisting of core courses, capstone courses and elective courses. 

All candidates must enroll in the following core courses:

Code	Title	Credits
FMPC7001	Principles and Practice of Community Health Care	6
FMPC7002	Research Methods in Community Health Care	6

All candidates must enroll in one of the following capstone courses:

Code	Title	Credits
FMPC7201	Thesis for Master of Community Health Care	24
FMPC7202	Capstone Project for Master of Community Health Care	24
FMPC7203	Practicum for Master of Community Health Care	24

Candidates must take at least 27 credits from the following elective courses:

Code	Title	Credits
FMPC7101	Chronic Diseases in the Community	3
FMPC7102	Women’s Health in the Community	3
FMPC7103	Men’s Health in the Community	3
FMPC7104	Care of Elders in the Community	3
FMPC7105	Mental Health in the Community	3
FMPC7106	Clinical Dermatology in the Community	3
FMPC7107	Point-of-care Testing	3
FMPC7108	Integrative Medicine	3
FMPC7109	Teaching and Learning in Community Health Care	6
FMPC7110	Advanced Statistical Methods and Technology in Community Health Care	6

In addition to the current course offerings, the Master of Community Health Care program is actively developing new electives. Details will be added to the website once they receive formal approval from the University.

Course Descriptions

FMPC7001 Principles and Practice of Community Health Care (6 credits)

This course introduces the conceptual basis of community health care and the scientific basis of its practice, including the benefits of a multidisciplinary community health care team approach. This course will also examine different community health care models of care from cradle to grave; from health promotion and disease prevention to multidisciplinary team approach taken into accounts of biopsychosocial and medico-social integration. An overview of local and international community health care practices will be provided and the leadership roles of different professionals in the community health care team will be thoroughly discussed. 

FMPC7002 Research Methods in Community Health Care (6 credits)

This course will provide an overview of research methods that may be used to conduct scholarly research projects – including the thesis or capstone project required for this master’s degree. In addition, it will briefly provide an overview of how these methods may be applied for continuous quality improvement projects in community care. This module will provide an introduction of: 1) Study designs; 2) Epidemiology; 3) Biostatistics; 4) Literature review; 5) Producing sound research grants and publications. The basic set of knowledge and skills taught in this course will allow students to critically read scientific publications and to understand the basic elements of conducting research studies in health care.

FMPC7201 Thesis for Master of Community Health Care (24 credits)

The 24-credit thesis entails 600 hours of student learning activities throughout the entire program. Students are expected to develop a research question and undertake a comprehensive research project, which includes conducting a literature review, designing the study, obtaining ethics board approval, collecting and analyzing data. They are required to submit a literature review, research proposal, thesis (5,000-8,000 words), and a poster presentation to communicate their findings. Assessment will be based on continuous evaluation of the output at different stages of the research project.

FMPC7202 Capstone Project for Master of Community Health Care (24 credits)

The 24-credit capstone project requires 600 hours student learning activities over the course of the entire curriculum. Students will demonstrate the acquisition and synthesis of skills and competencies acquired in the programme and culminating in a Capstone report (5000- 8,000 words) and a poster presentation. It typically involves a practical project, such as developing a program or implementing a healthcare intervention. The capstone project demonstrates the student’s ability to integrate theory and practice in addressing a relevant healthcare issue, which can be done locally or abroad. Students will need to provide their supervisor with a detailed plan prior to embarking on the Capstone Project. 

FMPC7203 Practicum for Master of Community Health Care (24 credits)

To fulfill the 24-credit Practicum requirement, students must engage in 600 hours of learning activities over the course of the entire curriculum, with 200 hours dedicated to the practice site. Students will submit a practicum learning log (normally 300-500 words). Students will also complete a project at their practice site, resulting in a project report and a presentation to disseminate the project results. Students will be assessed on the basis of their practicum report (5.000-8,000) as well as the supervisor assessment of the quality of their workplace performance and the practicum deliverable. 

FMPC7101 Chronic Diseases in the Community (3 credits) 

The course covers how chronic disease management can be optimized utilizing a multidisciplinary approach in the community health care setting. It equips the health care professionals with specific knowledge and skills in chronic disease management, from prevention and early detection to effective intervention and complications control. Person-centered care is emphasized across the spectrum of health promotion, risk reduction, and evidence-based management of common chronic diseases. The roles of different health care professionals contributing to the holistic care of the patients will be examined.

FMPC7102 Women’s Health in the Community (3 credits)

This course covers a wide range of topics related to the specific health needs and challenges faced by women such as reproductive health, maternal health, gynaecological issues, menopause, breast health, and gender-specific diseases such as ovarian and cervical cancers. Practical components of the program may include hands-on experience in the field. Students will learn the complex and multifaceted aspects of women’s biopsychosocial health across diverse populations.

FMPC7103 Men’s Health in the Community (3 credits)

This course covers a range of topics focused on the unique health needs and challenges faced by men such as male reproductive health, prostate health, sexual health, cardiovascular health, mental health, and the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and substance abuse on men’s health. Students will learn the role of masculinity and gender norms in shaping men’s health behaviours, as well as the social determinants of men’s health disparities as well as specific health issues affecting men at different life stages, from adolescence to older adulthood.

FMPC7104 Care of Elders in the Community (3 credits)

This course introduces basic knowledge on ageing and quality care of elderly people in community health care settings. Students will learn how the common health problems in elderly people may present as frailty, loneliness, incontinence, dementia and falls and be managed in holistic and biopsychosocial terms by interdisciplinary team. Other topics will include biological ageing, healthy ageing, and ethical and legal aspects of care for elders.

FMPC7105 Mental Health in the Community (3 credits)

This course aims to provide the students with an understanding of the nature of common mental health problems encountered in Community Health Care settings, for example, depression, anxiety, difficulty falling asleep at night and dementia. Students will learn how some of these problems may present and be managed in Community Health Care settings and when more serious and complex problems will be needed to be referred to specialist mental health experts. 

FMPC7106 Clinical Dermatology in the Community (3 credits)

This course is tailored to enrich the expertise of health care practitioners in diagnosing and treating patients with dermatological conditions and is co-organized by the Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care and the Division of Dermatology at The University of Hong Kong. The curriculum aims to enhance participants’ ability to recognize, assess, and manage common dermatological issues, highlight unique aspects of care for patients with dermatological conditions, and emphasize the importance of prevention and health maintenance. Topics important in community care will be emphasized including common facial dermatoses, scalp, hair, and nail disorders, genital dermatoses, urticaria and allergy testing, eczema, psoriasis, skin manifestations of systemic diseases, drug eruptions, dermatology emergencies, and skin tumors. Workshops will be integrated into several sessions to reinforce practical skills applicable in community care settings.

FMPC7107 Point-of-care Testing (3 credits)

This course provides Community Health Care professionals with essential knowledge to effectively utilize rapid diagnostic tests for various conditions such as HIV, STIs, HCV, HBV, and cancer screening. Students will learn the principles of point-of-care testing, test selection criteria, interpretation of results, quality assurance, and best practices for integrating these tests into routine Community Health Care settings. Through interactive sessions and case studies, students will be able to enhance their understanding of the benefits, limitations, and implications of point-of-care testing, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

FMPC7108 Integrative Medicine (3 credits)

This course aims to empower healthcare practitioners from varied backgrounds, be it in Chinese or Western Medicine, dentistry, nursing and other allied health professions to synergistically address a myriad of health conditions within the community. This course is designed to empower healthcare professionals to collaboratively manage a broad spectrum of diseases in the community through a robust and holistic framework of primary healthcare services, while enhancing health outcomes, tackling multi-morbidity, and ultimately improving the overall quality of care. Evidenced-based teaching and learning will be specific on the management of important topics of musculoskeletal pain, hypertension, diabetes, mental health, health promotions, respiratory diseases and cancer care. This evidence-based learning will facilitate the communication between Chinese and Western healthcare professionals for multidisciplinary collaboration integrating traditional Chinese medicine with Western medical practices. 

FMPC7109 Teaching and Learning in Community Health Care (6 credits)

This course is designed for students interested in enhancing their teaching and training skillset, with a particular emphasis on health care professionals who may derive additional benefits. The course provides a practical foundation, covering theoretical concepts and principles as well as best practices in teaching, adult learning, and curriculum development. Topics include, but are not limited to, the design and implementation of learning activities, assessment, and the curriculum development cycle, including design, implementation, evaluation, and feedback. Participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to design and deliver effective educational initiatives across community health care contexts.

FMPC7110 Advanced Statistical Methods and Technology in Community Health Care (6 credits)

(Pre-requisite: FMPC7002 Research Methods in Community Health Care)

This course offers an opportunity to explore the theoretical principles and practical skills necessary for designing and implementing strategies for data collection, analysis, interpretation, and integration of quantitative data in the context of Community Health Care research. It aims to familiarize students with statistical techniques commonly used and reported in health professions research literature, particularly those relevant to primary care settings. The primary focus will be on analyzing real datasets to address key questions in Community Health Care, such as the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of interventions or programs. Students will be engaged with case studies that reflect the complexities of Community Health Care research, including considerations of sample size, study design, and selection of statistical models. Key theoretical concepts related to statistical data analysis will also be thoroughly examined, equipping students with the skills to apply these methods effectively in their future research endeavors. This course will also introduce students to the principles and applications of digital technologies in primary healthcare settings. Students will be introduced to the foundations and enablers of digital health such as electronic health record, data lifecycle and interoperability standards. The course will cover use of digital health applications such as telehealth, remote monitoring, virtual and augmented reality, and how they improve healthcare delivery. Students will learn the role of big data analytics in enabling artificial intelligence and explore current and emerging cases in primary healthcare. Moreover, students will critically analyse the ethical, privacy, and governance challenges associated with digital health technologies, and explore strategies in data security and regulatory compliance.