Principle

Overview 

Memorial University is committed to providing a safe and healthy learning environment. Undergraduate Medical Learners may encounter risks of exposure to infections, hazardous materials, or environmental risks during their training in a clinical environment.

This policy supports compliance with Element 12.8 of the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) which states: 

12.8 Student Exposure Policies/Procedures

A medical school has policies in place that effectively address medical student exposure to infectious and environmental hazards, including: a) the education of medical students about methods of prevention b) the procedures for care and treatment after exposure, including a definition of financial responsibility c) the effects of infectious and environmental disease or disability on medical student learning activities. All registered medical students (including visiting students) are informed of these policies before undertaking any educational activities that would place them at risk.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to promote and protect learner health and safety when infectious diseases or environmental hazards may impact the undergraduate medical education program. This policy specifically includes epidemics, pandemics, or environmental hazards that may pose a threat to the health and safety of Learners. It does not include infectious or environmental exposures encountered in normal clinical activities.

Scope

This policy applies to Undergraduate Medical Learners in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Memorial University (Memorial).

Definitions

Clinical Learning Experience — A period of clinical training in a healthcare setting which is part of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. For the purpose of this policy, a clinical learning experience includes required and elective experiences.

Environmental Hazards — A generic term for any situation or state of events which poses a threat to the surrounding environment.

Epidemic — A classification of a disease that appears as new cases in a given human population, during a given period, at a rate that substantially exceeds what is "expected," based on recent experience.

Exposure Incident — An injury or exposure to an infectious and environmental hazard.

Learner — Individual enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Pandemic — An epidemic that spreads through human populations across a large region (for example a continent), or even worldwide.

Undergraduate Medical Studies (UGMS) Committee — A committee established to govern all aspects of the curriculum for the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. It is a standing committee of Faculty council with responsibility for policy and procedures related to the Undergraduate Medical curriculum.

Policy

1.0 The Associate Dean, Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) in consultation with the appropriate Phase Lead will determine the extent of Learner participation in academic and clinical activities when there is significant risk of exposure to infectious or environmental hazards which would exceed expected standards. This may involve individual or small groups of Learners with potential exposure to a specific risk or may be widespread occurrences such as epidemics or pandemics.

2.0 The decision of the Associate Dean, UGME, will be based on the following principles:

2.1 While such situations may provide a unique learning experience, the potential educational benefits must be weighed against Learner health and safety concerns, public health concerns, and the objectives of the undergraduate medical education program. The priority for Learners will be their health and safety.

2.2 Learners are in an educational role and should not be involved in clinical activities that go beyond the roles performed in the normal clinical environment. Learners may participate in clinical activities during periods of significant risk according to the level of clinical competence of the Learner and the assessment of risk of the clinical environment.

2.3 Academic education activities should continue wherever possible regardless of cancellation of clinical education activities.

2.4 Learners are not permitted to volunteer for involvement in clinical activities during situations subject to this policy without the approval of the Associate Dean, UGME.

3.0 It is the responsibility of faculty members, staff, and Learners to notify the Associate Dean, UGME in a timely manner in case of an exposure incident or existence of any hazardous environment that might affect Learners.

3.1 Learners who experience an exposure incident at Memorial University or an affiliated healthcare facility shall follow the relevant Health and Safety policies.

4.0 Any decisions made under this policy will be communicated promptly to Learners, faculty, and the affiliated healthcare authority affected by the decision.

5.0 The procedures for care and treatment of Learners after occupational exposure, and any secondary disability, would be addressed through the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre (Memorial St. John’s campus and distributed sites) or the Health and Wellness Centre (UPEI). These centres may also make referrals to various specialists.

5.1 Learners who have experienced an exposure incident should contact the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre for the campus to which they are assigned. If medical assessment or treatment is required following an exposure, Learners should seek care at the nearest emergency department or appropriate healthcare facility as soon as possible.

5.2 Financial costs associated with the treatment of exposure incidents shall be the responsibility of the Learner. Learners are expected to participate in the University-wide health and dental plan or in a comparable plan that provides coverage for treatment arising from such incidents.

5.3 As a matter of general course, the following process will apply to all Learners:

5.3.1 Prior to the start of Year 1, the Office of Learner Well-Being and Success (LWS) will provide the new incoming class list to the Student Health Nurse with the Student Wellness and Counselling Centre. The Student Health Nurse will then work with the individual Learners to ensure all immunizations are up-to-date. Due to the nature of the program, ongoing immunizations are required and Learners will be required to provide documentation to the Student Health Nurse.

5.3.2 It is the responsibility of each Learner to have an up-to-date N95 mask fit certificate. Learners are required to complete the online respiratory program, health screening and N95 fitting. Once complete, they upload confirmation into the Brightspace shell for their class. Information will be provided to Learners during their initial orientation.

5.3.3 LWS will provide Learners with information regarding this policy, including methods of prevention, during orientation.

5.3.4 As needed, the Faculty of Medicine will provide appropriate support, on a case-by-case basis, to enable exposed Learners to continue their education.

6.0 Learners should familiarize themselves with the following resources:

6.1 Contact information for relevant emergency and security services available in the UGME Student Handbook.

6.2 The Emergency and Non- Crisis services webpage available through the Office of Learner Well-Being and Success.

6.3 Learners are aware of the safety features and alerts available through the MUN Safe App and UPEI Safe App

Related Documents

Faculty of Medicine Immunization Requirements

Health and Safety Management System (HSMS)

Memorial Emergency Management Plan 

Memorial Communicable Disease Planning 

Memorial Health and Safety Policy

Memorial Health and Safety Manual

Needle Sticks and other Health Hazards

Newfoundland & Labrador Health and Community Services, Pandemic Influenza Plan

NL Health Services Integrated Protection Services

Procedures:

There are no procedures associated with this policy.