Does Public Health Fieldwork Attachment for Doctorate Student Beneficial? A Qualitative Exploratory Evaluation

Fieldwork attachment allows student to explore thoughts, feelings, developing self-awareness and fresh insights related to public health knowledge. Practical experience through reflection is as important as theory in fields. Habit of critical reflection prepares students as future health professionals.The aim of this study was to explore learning experience within the fieldwork attachment among the Doctor of Public Health students in achieving stated learning objectives. A qualitative study based on a student's fieldwork, reflection report and supervisor's report on fieldwork attachment in third semester was explored. Descriptive analysis was performed. Students reported that they were in general satisfied with the posting. It helped them to increase their motivation as future health manager. Few have different points of view in achieving learning objectives: the field attachment is tiring or insufficient. Most of the students found it was beneficial and enjoyable. Students have come back with various meaningful learning and positive attitudes. The outcomes were grouped as: (1) student satisfaction and perceived usefulness, (2) ability to practice strategic planning in health programme, (3) length of attachment and (4) availability of field supervisor to coordinate, giving guidance and barrier in communication. In overall, students have benefitted from the fieldwork attachment but the experience gained has not as deep and wide as what had been expected due to time limitation and weakness in coordination.