Building family medicine postgraduate training in Jamaica: overcoming challenges in a resource-limited setting.

This paper recounts the development of family medicine postgraduate training in Jamaica, the challenges faced and lessons learned. A self-administered questionnaire was completed by past trainees exploring the perceived usefulness, strengths and weaknesses of the programme. The results of this study helped guide the strengthening of family medicine training in a resource-limited setting.

The roles and responsibilities of physicians in Pre-Hospital Emergency Medical Services: A Caribbean perspective.

A Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service (PHEMS) is a vital component of a country's health service because it provides early medical care to critically ill and injured persons in the field There is evidence to show that early care reduces mortality and morbidity and offers the patient the best chance of survival and improved quality of life. Caribbean territories have been developing their PHEMS as part of a programme of health sector reform. In a study of PHEMS in 12 Caribbean countries, the Pan American Health Organization reported that there were no clear guidelines with respect to the roles and responsibilities of the physician in PHEMS in the majority of countries.

Health promotion: issues and answers.

In recent years, increased attention has been given to the development of health promotion programmes in a number of countries worldwide. Although health promotion itself is not new, a number of issues have emerged as the underlying concepts are articulated and put into practice. These relate to its relevance and ownership and to practical issues such as measurement of outcomes.

Pre-hospital emergency medical services, phase I. Role of the Department of Community Health and Psychiatry.

The Department of Community Health and Psychiatry was contracted by the Ministry of Health to assist with the implementation of a pilot programme in the Western Health Region to train fire fighters as basic level Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), and was responsible for its design, implementation and monitoring for the first 18 months. The course was covered in 440 hours over a 10 week period, and included training in emergency medical response, driving an emergency medical vehicle, emergency medical dispatching and inventory control. Of 76 fire fighters selected for training, 62 graduated, receiving Certificates of Merit from the Ministry of Health, Jamaica and were deployed into service on 17th April 1996.