A Need Assessment Study of Occupational Health Curriculum for Thai Medical Students
Surasak Buranatrevedh MD, DrPH*
Affiliation : * Department of Community and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, Pathumthani
Objective : To assess and develop an appropriate occupational health curriculum for Thai medical students.
Materials and Methods : An assessment of existing occupational health curriculum in 12 Thai medical schools,
questionnaire survey of occupational medicine experts, questionnaire survey of physicians practiced in in-
dustries and primary care hospitals in Pathumthani province, and questionnaire survey and public comments
of medical education administration, academician, occupational physician, and medical students were per-
formed.
Results : An appropriate occupational health curriculum for Thai medical students included 1) knowledge of
occupational health hazards and their illnesses, occupational health hazard evaluation and control, clinical
features and investigation of occupational disease, principles of occupational safety, emergency treatment of
occupational injury, and principles of health promotion, education, and behavioral modification; 2) experience
of occupational health and safety surveillance and occupational disease differential diagnosis; and 3) com-
petence in occupational disease diagnosis, taking clinical history and examination, advise on provision of
first aid facilities, physical hazards recognition and control, work related and environmental related disease
differential diagnosis, performing a risk assessment, and risk communication.
Conclusion : The present study evaluated an occupational health curriculum needed for Thai medical students.
Necessary topics for curriculum were developed. However, a future study of learning methods for each topic is
needed.
Keywords : Occupational health, Curriculum, Thailand, Medical students
