DHA Exam Syllabus – Complete Guide for Healthcare Professionals

The DHA (Dubai Health Authority) exam is an essential qualification for healthcare professionals seeking to work in Dubai. It is designed to assess the knowledge, skills, and competence of individuals who wish to practice medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other healthcare-related professions in the UAE. This exam ensures that only qualified candidates are allowed to work in healthcare settings in Dubai.

Overview of the Exam

• Exam Name: DHA Exam (Dubai Health Authority Exam)
• Exam Code: Specific codes apply for different healthcare professions.
• Purpose: To evaluate the eligibility and competence of healthcare professionals seeking licensure in Dubai.
• Intended for: Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and other healthcare workers.

Syllabus Structure

• The syllabus is divided into different sections based on the healthcare profession (e.g., Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy).
• Major Sections:
  • Medical Knowledge (diseases, treatment protocols, medical procedures)
  • Patient Care (assessment, diagnosis, treatment, patient safety)
  • Ethics & Professionalism (medical ethics, communication, patient rights)
  • Healthcare Laws and Regulations (local regulations and policies)
• The syllabus is organized thematically to ensure that all essential topics are covered systematically.

Exam Format and Structure

• Types of Questions: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs), practical assessments, scenario-based questions, and case studies.
• Number of Questions: Typically 100-200 questions, depending on the profession and level of the exam.
• Time Allocation: 2-3 hours, with each exam varying based on the subject and type of questions.
• Weightage of Sections: Different sections may have varying weightage. For instance, medical knowledge might account for 50% of the total score, while ethics might have a lower percentage.

Assessment Criteria

• Grading: The exam is graded on a scale, and a minimum score (usually 60%-70%) is required to pass.
• Key Evaluation Criteria:
  • Clinical Knowledge: Ability to diagnose and treat patients.
  • Professionalism: Understanding of ethical practices and patient care standards.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to handle complex cases and practical scenarios.
• Common Pitfalls:
  • Lack of clarity in answers.
  • Incomplete answers, especially in case study questions.
  • Missing details related to healthcare laws or ethics.

Sample Questions

• Question 1: A patient presents with a high fever and a dry cough. What is the likely diagnosis and initial treatment plan?
• Answer: The likely diagnosis could be a viral infection (e.g., Influenza). Initial treatment involves supportive care, including hydration and antipyretics (fever reducers).
• Question 2: What ethical issues should be considered when treating a patient with a terminal illness?
• Answer: Ethical considerations include patient autonomy, informed consent, and the importance of providing palliative care and emotional support to both the patient and their family.

Resources and References

• Textbooks:
  • “Medical Ethics and Law” by Jennifer R. Hurst
  • “Basic Clinical Medicine” by Dr. George S. K. Lee
• Websites:
  • DHA Official Website (www.dha.gov.ae)
  • Medical Journals (e.g., PubMed, JAMA)
  • Online Forums and Support Groups for Healthcare Professionals

FAQs

• How do I register for the DHA exam?
  • Registration is done online through the DHA portal, where you will need to submit your credentials, pay the exam fee, and choose your exam date.
• What if I fail the exam?
  • You can retake the exam after a waiting period of 30 days. It’s important to review the areas where you were weak and prepare more thoroughly for the next attempt.
• Can I take the DHA exam from outside the UAE?
  • The DHA exam must be taken in Dubai or as part of a designated examination center within the UAE.
• What are the career opportunities after passing the DHA exam?
  • Passing the DHA exam opens up opportunities to work in Dubai’s healthcare sector in hospitals, clinics, research, and private practice.