Department of Family Care Methodology

Introduction

Phone +36 1 486 4840
Email etk.csaladgondozas@semmelweis.hu
Head of the department Professor Lajos Attila Réthy M.D., Ph.D.

Background The academic-level training of health visitors (similar to district or family nurses) in Hungary started in 1975.

Education The aim of this eight-semester-long programme is to train health visitors who can provide assistance to children and pregnant women in social care, and in the prevention of illnesses. Practical training takes place under clinical and real-life circumstances (e.g. in hospitals and district consulting rooms).

The basic subjects (e.g. Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Biology) are followed by specialised studies in paediatrics, nursing, obstetrics, sanitation and nursing methodology. Pedagogy, psychology, health education, social sciences and information sciences are also integrated into the curriculum. After submitting a thesis, students are tested in theoretical, practical and professional skills before attaining their diploma.

Upon successful completion of the programme, health visitors are entitled to work in municipal primary health care facilities, and in the area of primary preventive medical services. They can perform their duties either independently or in cooperation with doctors and other medical experts.

Research The Department’s research topics include:

Preventive/visiting nurse system in Europe;
The characteristics of childhood onset depression according to depressive symptoms, co-morbidities and quality of life;
Influence of smoking during pregnancy on preterm-birth and low birth-weight;
Connection between childhood obesity, IDDM and physical activity.