The Medical and Public Health Services of the Ministry of Health and the School of Health Sciences of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) entered into a collaboration on 28 April 2023 to conduct a study to upgrade the School Medical Service. The agreement was signed by the Director of I.H.&S.D.Y., Dr. Elizabeth Constantinou and the Head of Research Service of CUT, Dr. Haralambos Chrysostomou.
The contribution of the School Medical Service in ensuring the health of children in Cyprus since 1976 until today is based on the equal promotion and maintenance of the health and well-being of students in the public and private education sector. The upgrading of the organisation and functioning of the School Health Service was deemed necessary in order to be able to respond to emerging needs, especially after the changes in the Cyprus Health System, but especially after the Covid-19 pandemic which affected the health sector of the child population.
The one-year study will be achieved through a structured participatory action research model, which facilitates the co-design of services by all stakeholders and ensures their acceptability and effectiveness. The process of completing the study will include.
c) the presentation of proposals for new models based on international and European evidence-based practices.
The project will be coordinated by the Director of Medical and Public Health Services, Dr. Elizabeth Constantinou and on behalf of the CUT, Dr. Ourania Kolokotroni Zacharopoulou, Pediatrician and Assistant Professor. Dr. Christiana Nikolaou, Assistant Professor and Dr. Koralia Michael will also participate on behalf of the CUT, and Dr. Irene Cotter, Senior Medical Officer, on behalf of the IY&MHY. Due to the methodology of the upgrading process, the School Medical Service doctors, Health Visitors from the Nursing Services, teachers, parents and children will be invited to contribute to the project.
In the framework of this collaboration, the Medical and Public Health Services are using the expertise of the academic community to promote policies aimed at improving public health.
(DK)
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