Annex 3

EDM Technical Briefing Seminar 2003

29 September – 3 October 2003

Evaluations by participants

Comments on the week

  • Content superb. Solutions offered by some presenters very good. Evidence presented excellent. Not enough time for discussion: I would cut theory, and focus on main points, solutions, what works what does not, WHO Organization etc. Learned a lot from participants – not enough time to learn from the panel of experts.
  • Seminar very well organized. I have learnt a lot which will help me with my job. It is good to see the faces behind the names in WHO.
  • I propose to create a mechanism to send updates on EDM developments to WRs (eg new tools, new publications, work in progress with contact persons etc). 11 NPOs is not a large network we have about 130 WRs.
  • Well organized program. The number of participants was just right and a good mixture from different levels. Good to know the inside and WHO staff perspectives on the issues, and to learn the fundamental issues and activities of EDM
  • Well done to everyone
  • I applaud WHO for a terrific week. I enjoyed the course very much. The atmosphere created was incredibly welcoming and supportive. Most of the topics were highly relevant. My only concern regards the delivery and formatting. It would be better if there were fewer solely didactic sessions. Some topics will probably need to be presented in this format, however it would be great if they were not scheduled back to back. It is very difficult to concentrate for more than 45 minutes. The presenters could learn a lot from Kathy Holloway and Marthe Everard’s sessions!! Thanks to Elizabeth and Anne who were terrific!! Richard is a wonderful facilitator.
  • The topics of all the presentations were very useful and practical. The materials and room arrangements were really good and nice.
  • Very useful week, to learn what WHO is doing and focusing on in EDM. Great to meet the people in EDM and receive information and links to data sources for my work
  • Facilitation and administration was excellent throughout. Keep up the good work!
  • Excellent technical seminar, high level expertise and commitment and very good facilitator. Challenging sessions of discussions
  • Would have enjoyed to have more case studies / working groups between two presentations
  • There is a need to have more participation in the sessions that missed it.
  • I recommend to focus more on rational drug use and focus on group work
  • In general from my point of view this course was really helpful, especially for a MOH official who has just moved from province level like me. By joining the course I could have a broader perspective about EDM Programmes. Need for more group discussion. Good support especially for providing books.

Positive comments by day

MONDAY

  • Sessions are quite good and relevant
  • Almost perfect
  • Good start
  • Good first day
  • The session was well organized and the EDM staff (both presenters and administration) are very helpful
  • I do very much enjoy the first day of the Seminar. I think I learnt a lot. Essential Medicines Library is excellent: It will help us a lot---Perfect!!
  • I liked very much, but think that it would be good if the group would have the opportunity to share their country experiences

TUESDAY

  • A very interesting day
  • Good presentations
  • Sessions were quite good, lively and relaxed
  • (Morning session)I think the attempt to bring the audience in at the beginning of the session this morning was good. I am a little concerned about the didactic nature of the sessions. Marthe is a terrific facilitator

WEDNESDAY

  • Sessions were quite good

THURSDAY

  • A very helpful and well presented day

Negative comments by day

MONDAY

  • More interactive discussion during presentations

TUESDAY

  • Capacity overload. Remember the principles of adult learning!
  • (Afternoon session) So much information in short amount of time – a very dry area – why not spice it up a bit!! Case study not clear; good idea but pre-test before throwing it out (to the participants)

WEDNESDAY

  • It is very difficult to sit through didactic sessions that run for more than 40 minutes or so. 90 minutes is excessive. We all want the information but there is only so much one can absorb. This is especially difficult when the topics are dry. More time needs to be allocated for discussion and information exchange. It would be great if this was facilitated by the technical experts.
  • (It would be a) Good approach to give (a) chance (for) participants to discuss within the presentation
  • I did not travel 5000 miles to hear what is WHO and to see 5 times the same slide on the pharmaceutical gap which is the main reason why I’m here!
  • Less slides (but) with essential information

THURSDAY

  • Facilitator should facilitate not dominate. Not enough time for discussion – again

Time concerns

MONDAY

  • Indicators session requires more time
  • Indicators session is too short
  • I would like to have a bigger session on Monitoring and Evaluation – very interesting but short presentation
  • Session management was excellent
  • Presentations too rapid

TUESDAY

  • Group work very interesting. 1st group too short, more time for discussion (Procurement session)
  • Nice presentations. Very useful – need more time for discussion

WEDNESDAY

  • More time for discussion and group work
Topic related comments

MONDAY

  • Hoped to understand more about indicators
  • A very good session, to go ahead together, and share valuable experiences (Monday)
  • Session management was excellent (Monday)
  • The EML 25 years has been repeated a couple of times this year (Monday)
  • Need more information, especially for National Drug Policy Session

TUESDAY

  • I am not sure that UNICEF is the best way in to procurement, supply and distribution – maybe IDA next time
  • Suggest more case studies

WEDNESDAY

  • The regulation sessions were difficult because the subject is difficult to communicate
  • Assessment of regulatory capacity: ask Valerio Reggi to cover this topic next year
  • Medicines regulation and Assessment: The information was relevant but presented in too boring a style
  • Pricing Seminar was excellent
  • Price survey methodology: very interesting and important but more time and better structure

THURSDAY

  • Excellent Experts (open) session for the afternoon
  • Speaker (on collaboration) was monotonous and difficult to hear
  • Nice and useful discussion for rational use of medicines. Hopefully I could implement in my country to improve the situation
  • The first session (safety) was very interesting but I gave this a low rating because I thought that the presenter had little understanding of the challenges faced by people in developing countries. Please provide solutions, not preach to us.
  • Rational use of medicines: the best session of the week
  • Rational use, excellent session –Kathy really engages the group. Also provides solutions – which have been very lacking in some of the presentations. Providing solutions (at least providing discussion around the issue) empowers people.
  • Pharmacovigilance is a critical point or component but unfortunately so many countries (mine)are so poor that they are not able to identify even one person to report ADR. The presentation did not show what could be the first step on the priority to achieve to impelement (or to try to do) a Pharmacovigilance system.

FRIDAY

  • Very useful
  • (Globalization) Very interesting
  • (Int. Coordination) Excellent!!!
  • The issues of TRIPS and Global Fund especially was very well presented
  • Of all presentations the best

Suggestions

  • Richard Laing walked into the room and introduced himself to everyone individually – this was terrific. It would be a great idea if the others also did this. I know it is time consuming but it provides such a wonderful personal touch.
  • Big felt pens for Gallery of Expert Presentation