Mastering PSM for NEET-PG and INI-CET in Just 4 Days

Daily Targets

  • Read/Revise 3–4 hours.
  • Solve 120–150 MCQs/day (30 per block, timed) with an error log.
  • Make 4–6 mini‑cards/day (formulas, program packages, schedules, case definitions, flowcharts).

Day 1 — Concepts, Epidemiology, Screening & Biostatistics (Deep Dive)

Health concepts & indicators

  • Natural history of disease; spectrum; iceberg phenomenon; levels of prevention (primordial → quaternary) with examples.
  • Demographic & epidemiologic transition; fertility transition; dependency ratio; urbanization & migration.
  • Indicators: mortality (CDR, IMR, NMR, MMR), morbidity (incidence, prevalence), fertility (CBR, GFR, ASFR, TFR, NRR), composite (HDI), life expectancy, HALE, DALY (YLL+YLD), QALY (idea).
  • Inequity & inequality: Gini concept; concentration curve (idea); social determinants.

Epidemiology — measures & causation

  • Risk vs rate vs odds; absolute risk reduction, relative risk reduction; NNT/NNH.
  • Attributable risks: AR, AR%, PAR, PAR% (one‑line definitions + mini‑examples on cards).
  • Causation: necessary/sufficient components; Hill’s criteria; confounding vs effect modification.
  • Transmission dynamics: R₀ vs Re; herd immunity threshold; serial interval; generation time; incubation vs latent period; secondary attack rate.

Study designs & validity

  • Descriptive (case report/series, cross‑sectional) vs analytical (case–control, cohort) vs experimental (RCTs, cluster RCTs, stepped‑wedge idea) vs quasi‑experimental.
  • Randomization, allocation concealment, blinding levels; intention‑to‑treat vs per‑protocol; compliance/adherence.
  • Errors: Type I/II; power; minimal clinically important difference.
  • Biases: selection (Berkson, loss‑to‑follow‑up), information (recall, interviewer, surveillance), misclassification (diff/non‑diff), publication bias; control methods (restriction/matching/stratification/regression).
  • Screening bias: lead‑time, length, over‑diagnosis.

Screening & test performance

  • Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, likelihood ratios; pre‑test/post‑test probability via Bayes intuition; ROC curve & AUC.
  • Sequential vs parallel testing; mass vs targeted; opportunistic vs organized screening; Wilson–Jungner principles.

Biostatistics toolkit

  • Data types & scales; normal vs skewed distributions; 68–95–99.7 rule.
  • Summary: mean/median/mode; SD vs SE; IQR; box‑plots (interpretation idea).
  • Hypothesis tests: t‑test (paired/unpaired), ANOVA (+ post‑hoc), χ²/Fisher, McNemar, correlation (Pearson/Spearman), regression (linear/logistic), non‑parametric (Mann–Whitney/Wilcoxon/Kruskal–Wallis), survival (Kaplan–Meier, log‑rank idea), hazard ratio basics.
  • Sample size (idea level formulas):
    • Proportion: n ≈ [Z²×p(1−p)]/d² (design effect for cluster).
    • Mean: n ≈ [2×Z²×SD²]/d².
  • Sampling: simple random, systematic, stratified, cluster, multistage; design effect & ICC.

Day‑1 MCQs focus

  • RR vs OR; AR vs PAR; NNT; bias identification; ROC & cut‑off shifts; which statistical test when; cluster vs stratified.

Day 2 — Indian Health System, RMNCH+A, Immunization (UIP), National Programs (Wide Coverage)

Indian health system & delivery

  • Platforms: Sub‑Centre/SHC (ANM/MPW/ASHA), PHC, CHC/SDH, DH, Medical College; Health & Wellness Centres (AB‑HWC) with CHO/team; referral hierarchy & gate‑keeping.

  • Governance & financing: MoHFW structure (idea), NHM, Ayushman Bharat—PM‑JAY entitlement concept; urban health (NUHM, Mahila Arogya Samiti awareness).

  • Information systems: HMIS; IDSP (S/P/L forms); SRS for vital statistics; NFHS uses; eVIN for cold chain; ABDM (digital health ID) concept.

  • Community processes: ASHA roles (mobilization, HBNC/HBYC, VHND support), VHSNC; PRI linkages (concept).

RMNCH+A & MCH packages

  • ANC: early registration, minimum contacts, supplements; danger signs; PMSMA concept; birth preparedness.
  • Intranatal: SBA at facility; partograph basics; LaQshya (quality improvement in LR/OT, SNCU).
  • PNC & newborn: EIBF within hour; KMC; HBNC schedule; HBYC under 3 years (home visits); IMNCI/F‑IMNCI case management logic.
  • Adolescents (RKSK): AFHCs, nutrition, mental health, SRH, substance use (screen & counsel).
  • Entitlements & nutrition: JSY vs JSSK; RBSK screening & DEIC; ICDS/Anganwadi services; Poshan Abhiyaan; Anemia Mukt Bharat (6×6×6 conceptual blocks); WIFS; Vitamin A prophylaxis; National Deworming Day.

Immunization — India (UIP mindset)

  • Age‑wise anchors: birth, 6/10/14 weeks, 9–12 months, 16–24 months, 5–6 y, 10 & 16 y; JE in endemic districts; risk‑group vaccines (as per policy) — memorize via mini‑card.
  • Vaccine types: live (BCG, OPV, MMR/MR), inactivated (IPV, Hep‑B), toxoid (TT/Td), conjugate (Hib/PCV), subunit/others.
  • Cold chain: ILR, deep freezer; VVM stages; shake test for freeze‑sensitive; conditioning ice packs; cold box/carrier use; eVIN overview.
  • Session management: micro‑planning, due lists, open‑vial policy (eligible vaccines) & multi‑dose vial policy; AEFI categories (minor/serious/cluster) & reporting; BMW disposal at session site (safety box, color coding idea).

National health programs (broad map)

  • Communicable: NTEP (TB—diagnosis & daily regimen idea, contact management), NLEP (MDT), NVBDCP (malaria elimination, dengue/chikungunya, filariasis MDA, JE), NACP (HIV—PPTCT, TI, ART/OST linkages), IDSP (surveillance), NIDDCP (iodine), Measles–Rubella elimination, Polio endgame (AFP surveillance & SIAs), NVHCP (viral hepatitis) concept.
  • Non‑communicable: NPCDCS (HTN/DM/3 cancers population screening ≥30 y), NTCP (tobacco control), NMHP & DMHP (mental health), NPCBVI (blindness/VI), National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly, National Oral Health Programme, Fluorosis Control Programme.
  • WASH & zoonoses: Swachh Bharat (sanitation awareness), rabies control (PEP frameworks), One‑Health concept.

Day‑2 MCQs focus

  • ASHA/ANM/CHO roles; JSY vs JSSK vs LaQshya; HBNC/HBYC/IMNCI elements; UIP schedule & VVM/shake test; AEFI categories; program→disease matching; NPCDCS screening age & tools.

Day 3 — Environmental, Occupational, Food Safety, Disaster, Communication, Ethics & Law (Expanded)

Environmental health

  • Water: sources; safe sanitary well; purification steps (storage, coagulation/flocculation, filtration—slow vs rapid sand, disinfection—breakpoint chlorination); household methods (boiling, chlorination, filtration); residual chlorine idea.
  • Standards overview: bacteriological (coliform concept), physical/chemical (fluoride/hardness idea); health impact links.
  • Air: PM₂.₅/PM₁₀, SO₂/NOx, ozone; AQI concept; ventilation; indoor pollution (biomass smoke) & COPD risk.
  • Housing: criteria (light, ventilation, floor area); crowding; dampness & vector breeding.
  • Solid & biomedical waste: segregation at source; color‑coding idea; storage/transport; CBWTF; sharps injury post‑exposure steps (wash, report, risk assess, PEP as per protocol).
  • Excreta disposal: sanitary latrines, septic tank, soakage pits; fecal sludge management idea; school/Anganwadi toilets.
  • Vector control: environmental management, larvivorous fish/BTi, larvicides, IRS, space sprays; personal protection; Aedes day‑biting vs Anopheles night‑biting.

Zoonoses & rabies PEP (India lens)

  • Zoonoses overview: rabies, brucellosis, leptospirosis, JE (pigs), scrub typhus; basic prevention bundles.
  • Animal bite management: wound wash; category‑wise risk; vaccination regimens (concept); RIG indication for severe exposures.

Occupational health

  • Hazards: physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, psychosocial; dose–response idea.
  • Classic diseases: silicosis, asbestosis, byssinosis, NIHL, lead/mercury poisoning; occupational cancers (asbestos–mesothelioma, benzene–leukemia) concept.
  • Prevention: hierarchy of controls (elimination→PPE); pre‑placement & periodic exams; sickness absenteeism; ergonomics; health insurance (ESI concept).

Nutrition & food safety

  • Assessment: anthropometry (BMI, MUAC); growth monitoring; diet survey basics.
  • Programs: ICDS services, Mid‑Day Meal/PM‑POSHAN; fortification (iodized salt, iron–folic acid, vitamin A) awareness.
  • Food safety: FSSAI roles; hygiene (HACCP idea); common foodborne outbreaks & timelines; outbreak investigation steps.

Disaster management & public health emergencies

  • Disaster cycle: mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery; Incident Command System idea; triage color codes; camp management basics.
  • Public health emergencies: epidemic preparedness/response; IHR idea; quarantine vs isolation; risk communication.

Health communication & behavior change

  • IEC vs BCC vs SBCC; KAP surveys.
  • Counseling frameworks: 5A’s for tobacco; brief intervention for alcohol; motivational interviewing idea.
  • Models: Health Belief, Transtheoretical (stages of change), Diffusion of innovations; nudges.

Research ethics & law

  • Informed consent/assent; confidentiality; data protection; community engagement; vulnerability.
  • Ethics committees; ICMR/GCP awareness; authorship basics; plagiarism.
  • Acts overview (concept only): PCPNDT, MTP, COTPA, Epidemic Diseases, Disaster Management; Biomedical Waste rules; rights of persons with disabilities (awareness).

Day‑3 MCQs focus

  • Breakpoint chlorination; slow vs rapid sand filter cues; AQI & indoor air pointers; BMW color logic; Aedes vs Anopheles; rabies bite categories & RIG cue; classic pneumoconioses; 5A’s; disaster triage colors; consent vs assent.

Day 4 — Disease Control Packages, NCDs & Screening, School/Geriatric, MCH/FP Detail, Surveillance, Quality & Management (Comprehensive)

Communicable disease control — program lens

  • TB (NTEP): case definitions, diagnostic tools (rapid molecular tests concept), regimen structure (intensive/continuation idea), contact tracing, public–private mix; patient support (DBT idea).
  • Leprosy (NLEP): case categories; MDT packs; disability prevention & stigma reduction concept.
  • Vector‑borne: malaria elimination stratification (API idea), dengue/chikungunya (source reduction, larval indices), filariasis (MDA with DEC+albendazole); JE vaccination in endemic districts.
  • Vaccine‑preventable: MR elimination strategies; AFP surveillance logic.
  • Water/food‑borne: cholera & typhoid control bundles; ORS–zinc; safe water & sanitation.

NCDs & population‑based screening (NPCDCS)

  • Risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, diet, physical inactivity, obesity, HTN, DM, dyslipidemia.
  • Screening at ≥30 y: BP, blood glucose, oral visual exam, clinical breast exam, cervical screening (VIA/VILI/Pap as per platform).
  • Tobacco control: COTPA idea; cessation counseling & pharmacotherapy overview; community strategies.
  • Mental health: NMHP/DMHP; suicide prevention; de‑addiction links.
  • Palliative & rehab: community‑based rehab concept; home‑based care idea.

Geriatrics, school & adolescent

  • Elderly: NPHCE services; falls, frailty, multimorbidity; polypharmacy & deprescribing idea.
  • School health: screenings, health education, sanitation & handwashing; deworming; vision/dental checks; menstrual hygiene.
  • Adolescent: RKSK—AFHCs, peer educators, nutrition, anemia, mental health, SRH, substance use counseling.

MCH & family planning — operational detail

  • Antenatal: visit schedule; IFA/calcium; TT/Td; danger signs & birth preparedness.
  • Intranatal: SBA & partograph essentials; AMTSL components idea; newborn resuscitation link.
  • Postnatal: EBF 6 months; complementary feeding ≥6 months; KMC; PNC visits.
  • Child health: IMNCI case charts; HBNC/HBYC timings; Vitamin‑A schedule idea; NDD deworming rounds; WIFS for adolescents.
  • Family planning:
    • Spacing: condoms, COC/POP, DMPA (Antara), lactational amenorrhea method.
    • LARC: IUD 380A/375 incl. PPIUCD; implant concept awareness.
    • Permanent: minilap/NSV; counseling & eligibility; MEC concept.
    • Emergency contraception options.

Surveillance & data for action

  • IDSP reporting units; thresholds for alerts; SARI/ILI sentinel surveillance synopsis.
  • AEFI & pharmacovigilance (PvPI) basics; adverse event reporting culture.
  • HMIS dashboards; SRS/NFHS for planning; audit & feedback loops.

Quality, management & health economics

  • Program management cycle; problem tree & logic model (inputs→activities→outputs→outcomes→impact).
  • Quality initiatives: Kayakalp (cleanliness), NQAS (facility quality standards) — gist; patient safety culture.
  • Health economics: costs (direct/indirect/intangible), perspectives; cost‑effectiveness (ICER idea); budgeting basics; priority setting.
  • Leadership & teamwork; micro‑planning; supervision & mentoring; supportive supervision idea.

Day‑4 MCQs focus

  • NTEP essentials; filariasis MDA components; JE endemic vaccination; NPCDCS screening tools; oral/breast/cervical screening cues; JSY/JSSK vs LaQshya; PPIUCD vs interval IUD; MEC matching; Kayakalp vs NQAS; ICER concept.

Rapid Revision (Last Evening)

  • Formulas: sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV; RR/OR; AR, PAR; NNT; cohort vs case–control vs cross‑sectional “when to use”; t‑test/ANOVA/χ² “which test when”.
  • Screening: sequential vs parallel; ROC & AUC; lead‑time/length/over‑diagnosis.
  • UIP anchors by age; VVM stages; shake test; open‑vial policy; AEFI categories & reporting line.
  • ASHA/ANM/CHO roles; HBNC/HBYC/IMNCI; JSY, JSSK, LaQshya one‑liners; RBSK & RKSK highlights.
  • NVBDCP: malaria elimination map; dengue Aedes control bundle; filariasis MDA; JE vaccine in endemic districts.
  • NTEP must‑knows; NACP pillars; NVHCP snapshot.
  • NPCDCS triad: BP/DM/cancer screening; tobacco cessation 5A’s.
  • Water purification steps; BMW color‑coding idea; sharps PEP steps; disaster cycle & triage colors; IEC→BCC→SBCC.

Practice Pattern (all days)

  • Timed MCQ blocks → immediate review → write one rule learned from each error.
  • Vignette flow: identify level (person/family/community/facility) → pick the India program/package → apply screening/diagnosis criteria → state first public‑health action.
  • Mini‑cards to carry: test formulas; bias list; UIP schedule; VVM/shake test; ASHA incentives/roles (idea); RMNCH+A packages; program–disease map; NPCDCS screening tools; TB/dengue/filariasis quick cues; IEC–BCC–SBCC ladder; disaster triage colors; ICER & cost types.
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