Community Engagement through a Community-based Medical Curriculum in a North-eastern State in Malaysia

Abstract

Community and Family Case Studies (CFCS) is one of the major programmes under the
community-based medical curriculum in Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) which has served as a
bridge for the university to engage with local communities on various health activities. A
knowledge transfer project was carried out based on the modules of CFCS programme in 15
villages in two districts in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. Two hundred and three medical students were
assigned to selected villages in four serial community residencies. Preliminary health surveys
were conducted to examine the health determinants followed by nine thematic community
health intervention projects. There were significant improvements in health knowledge, attitudes
and practices in the selected health issue (P <0.05, paired t test). Improvements in the quality of
life scores have been sustained at six month post-intervention. Village sub-committees and
supporting groups were created to ensure sustainability. This engagement has contributed to
satisfactory impacts in the community and facilitated students’ professional development.