FETP-Frontline is a three-month blended (online and in-service) training that focuses on detection of and response to public health events. Participants learn and practice the fundamental skills needed to perform efficiently in surveillance systems and principles of leadership and management. 

The training consists of two online modules, three workshops, and eight weeks of fieldwork divided over two periods. The target audience includes health workers who are working in the area of public health surveillance and disease outbreaks.

Introduction

Field Epidemiology Training Programs (FETPs) are competency-based training and service programs in applied epidemiology and public health. The programs aim to develop the capacity of public health systems in countries by building competencies through on-the-job mentorship and training. FETP Mentorship training is a step in establishing the new FETP program. Its main objective is to prepare the facilitators and mentors to support the training of the FETP residents and equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills they need to better manage the field work of FETP residents.

The workshop serves to reinforce the integral role of mentors in an FETP, as residents of the program receive 75% of their learning through practical training in the field under the guidance of a mentor. Entering practice in any profession offers a major challenge to newly qualified practitioners. It is a formative period where the knowledge, skills, and attitudes acquired during a program of education are applied in practice. It is a transition period which can be stressful as well as challenging as new demands are made upon individuals who are seeking to consolidate their skills. Therefore, it is a period when a practitioner is in need of guidance and support in order to develop confidence and competence.

Mentor has a comprehensive capstone of expected field activities of FETP in field job training,  mainly on surveillance, data collection, analysis, and epidemiologic investigation. To perform their duties in a more efficient manner, an FETP mentor must have a solid understanding of the program’s requirements, the necessary technical knowledge, and an efficient way to support and supervise the residents. In addition, it adds extra focus to leadership and management skills.

Also, the workshop has been specifically designed to help FETP mentors develop an understanding of mentoring and strengthen their mentoring skills that can quickly and effectively put what they learned into practice,

Objectives of the course

The general objective of the curriculum is to “build the capacity of the mentors to effectively and efficiently mentor the FETP residents during their field work, and support them to design and manage their projects. The specific objectives are to:

1. Perform effective communication skills.
2. Solve problems that occur during mentoring. 
3. Manage conflict that may occur during mentoring.
4. Provide effective feedback and deal with the received feedback from mentees professionally.
5. Assess the different assignments and deliverables in fieldwork projects.
6. Provide mentorship and indirect supervision to the residents.
7. Monitor and evaluate residents’ activities.

Target Audience

This curriculum designed for anyone who is involved in FETP mentoring. A pool of mentors will be made available to ensure the sustainability for the training program.

Course Outline

The course total duration is 6 days which is composing of 4 self-paced online sessions and 2 in-class sessions. Successful completion of this course will develop a basic understanding and essential skills of mentoring skills.

The training covers the following topics;

1. Introduction to Mentorship
2. Mentor's Competencies
   
3. Characteristics of a Good Mentor
   
4. Conflict Management
   
5. Adult Learning
   
6. Effective Communication in Mentorship
   
7. Teamwork
   
8. e-Mentoring
   
9. Effective Feedback
   
10. Active Listening 
    
11. Presentation Skills
    
12. Problem Analysis
    
13. Problem Solving
    
14. Data Quality Audit
    
15. Case/Outbreak Investigation Report
16. Conducting a Surveillance Project
    
17. Surveillance System Evaluation Report

Training method

The course uses the blended-learning model. The online sessions designed to be self-paced learning, and the the one-day workshop will be face to face workshop or virtual interaction between the participants and the facilitators. 

Course duration

The duration of the course is 6 days (4 days of self-pace and online sessions and 2 days of in-class sessions).

Certificate

The participant will receive a certificate of completion.

Course policy

To complete the course, participants must:

1.      Complete the pre and posttest.

2.      Complete all sessions.

3.      Attend the in-class sessions.  

4.      Fill out the course evaluation questionnaire