An Evaluation of Emory University's King Abdullah Fellowship Program Open Access
Matar, Lea Ghassan (2016)
Abstract
Background: Strengthening the public health workforce is essential in health and economic development. Public health education and training are crucial for building a proficient workforce and for the advancement of public health related activities. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) faces several challenges related to its public health workforce. To offset these workforce challenges, KSA has embarked on a scholarship initiative to fund the education of Saudi students in academic institutions around the world and in various areas of study. This has led to establishment of fellowship programs worldwide, among them the King Abdullah Fellowship (KAFP) Program at Rollins School of Public Health (RSPH), Emory University. The KAFP is a joint effort of KSA and RSPH to further strengthen public health capacity in the Kingdom.
Key Aims: The purpose of the evaluation is to: (1) evaluate whether the program is achieving its mission by understanding its impact on the career and professional development of trainees, and (2) pinpoint areas for improvement which will strengthen the program.
Methods: Using a mixed methods approach: (1) KAFP alumni (n=27) were surveyed to assess impact of KAFP on their professional and career development in the field of public health as perceived by students, and (2) KAFP staff (n=5) were interviewed to assess quality and quantity of support services provided by KAFP that contributed to professional development in the field of public health in KSA, as perceived by staff.
Conclusion: A little over half of the survey respondents indicated that the KAFP has helped in contributing to public health practice and education in KSA. KAFP staff members indicated that the program provided tailored services that supported students academically, socially and culturally during their stay at RSPH, and enhanced their scientific productivity after graduation through providing opportunities and support for publication and attendance of scientific conferences. Overall, the program has proven to positively impact students and contribute to their professional development. Yet, ongoing evaluation as the program continues to grow and develop is important to maintain and improve its standards.
Table of Contents
Introduction and Rationale
Introduction
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Overview of the Country
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Evolution of the Healthcare System
History of the healthcare system
Current structure of the healthcare system
Challenges in the public health workforce
King Abdullah Fellowship Program
Problem Statement
Significance Statement
Conceptual Framework
Research Questions
Objectives
Review of the Literature
Health Workforce in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
History of labour market
Existing health workforce
Key health issues
Opportunities for health workforce development
King Abdullah Scholarship Program (KASP)
Overview Statistics
KASP opportunities and benefits
Methodology
Research Design: A Mixed Methods Approach
Instruments
Population
Indicators
Evaluation Plan
Primary Data Analysis
Results
Qualitative Key Findings
Quantitative Key Findings
Discussion and Recommendations
Qualitative Results
Quantitative Results
Limitations
Recommendations
Conclusion
References
About this Master's Thesis
| School | |
|---|---|
| Department | |
| Degree | |
| Submission | |
| Language |
|
| Research Field | |
| Keyword | |
| Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor | |
| Partnering Agencies |
Primary PDF
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
An Evaluation of Emory University's King Abdullah Fellowship Program () | 2018-08-28 15:41:24 -0400 |
|
Supplemental Files
| Thumbnail | Title | Date Uploaded | Actions |
|---|