Value-Based Care: Population Health from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Population Health

This module is an introduction to the concept of population health and related key terms. You will reconnect with concepts you may have explored in Course 1 to refine your understanding of the factors that influence the cost of healthcare through the complex lens of population health. While the information you will explore is general, specifically focusing on population health will help your continued learning and future thinking about value-based care as you progress through this certificate program. Even if you have an understanding of or experience with population health, this module could serve as a useful review. Remember, as you read or hear terms or concepts that are new to you, have your notepad handy to write them down. At any time, you can use your favorite search engine to learn more. Be a self-directed learner!

Population Health Management and Value-Based Care

This module is designed to introduce you to population health management, beginning with the third dimension of the Kindig model – "Policies and Programs." We'll begin with a high-level review of four critical areas impacting population health management: addressing behavioral and social determinants of health, the prevalence of chronic disease, an aging population, and access to healthcare. Then, we will study the Population Health Pyramid to focus on how to organize a care delivery system to meet the needs of population groups—all with an eye towards the fundamental premise of value-based care. Remember, as you read or hear terms or concepts that are new to you, have your digital document or paper notepad handy to write them down. At any time, you can use your favorite search engine to learn more. Be a self-directed learner!

Course Project: Making This My Own

Whether you have experience working with matters related to population health or this course represents your introduction to the concept, it is crucial that you know how to bring the elements of a community health assessment (CHA) and community health improvement planning (CHIP) together into a logical and organized whole. While you will not be creating a comprehensive health assessment for this summative assignment, it is valuable to demonstrate your ability to formulate and initiate one by engaging with some of the steps outlined in the Association for Community Health Improvement CHA Toolkit.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores population health, a concept highly relevant in healthcare today

Introduces population health management, a critical component in managing healthcare costs

Led by instructors Sara G. McNeil, Lechauncy Woodard, and Susie Gronseth

Introduces the Population Health Pyramid, a useful tool in organizing care delivery systems

Requires prior knowledge in population health concepts

Reviews summary

Engaging population health course

According to students, this course provides a strong introduction into the major concepts of population health. Learners say it includes engaging assignments and thorough guidance on population health. Many learners appreciate the opportunity to read peer reviews at the end of each module.

Helpful peer reviews are included.

"reading the peer reviews at the end was helpful for me to see what struggles other communities are facing"

Many assignments help you learn.

"This course provides a great intro into population health!"

"Definitely, interesting learning materials."

"Very good course with thorough guidance on population health"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Value-Based Care: Population Health with these activities:

Review statistics basics

Show steps

Reviewing statistics basics will help you to better understand and analyze population health data.

Browse courses on Statistical Concepts

Show steps

Revisit key statistical concepts, such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
Practice calculating these statistics using real-world data.
Identify different types of statistical tests and when to use them.

Volunteer at a community health organization

Show steps

Volunteering at a community health organization will give you the opportunity to apply your population health knowledge in a real-world setting and make a positive impact on your community.

Show steps

Identify a community health organization that you are interested in volunteering for.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend a volunteer orientation and training.
Fulfill your volunteer duties as assigned.

Mentor a student in a population health course

Show steps

Mentoring a student in a population health course will give you the opportunity to solidify your understanding of the material while also helping others to learn.

Show steps

Identify a student who is struggling with population health concepts.
Meet with the student regularly to provide support and guidance.
Help the student to develop study skills and strategies.

One other activity

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all four activities

Develop a community health assessment

Show steps

Developing a community health assessment will allow you to apply the concepts of population health to a real-world setting and gain hands-on experience.

Show steps

Identify a specific community or population group to focus on.
Gather data on the community's health status, risk factors, and resources.
Analyze the data to identify health disparities and unmet needs.
Develop recommendations for interventions to improve the community's health.

Career center

Learners who complete Value-Based Care: Population Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists are responsible for investigating the causes and patterns of disease in populations. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Population Health Manager

Population Health Managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to improve the health of a population. This course may be useful for Population Health Managers because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health management and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Population Health Manager

Community Health Educator

Community Health Educators are responsible for educating individuals and communities about health issues and promoting healthy behaviors. This course may be useful for Community Health Educators because it provides an understanding of the factors that influence health behavior and the principles of community health education. This knowledge can help Community Health Educators develop effective programs to improve the health of their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator

Biostatistician

Biostatisticians are responsible for designing and analyzing studies to test the effectiveness of healthcare interventions. This course may be useful for Biostatisticians because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes. This knowledge can help Biostatisticians design more rigorous studies and produce more reliable results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Health Promotion Specialist

Health Promotion Specialists are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs to improve the health of individuals and communities. This course may be useful for Health Promotion Specialists because it provides an understanding of the factors that influence health behavior and the principles of community health education. This knowledge can help Health Promotion Specialists develop effective programs to improve the health of their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Promotion Specialist

Clinical Research Coordinator

Clinical Research Coordinators are responsible for managing clinical research studies. This course may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes. This knowledge can help Clinical Research Coordinators design and implement more effective studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Public Health Nurse

Public Health Nurses are responsible for providing health care and education to individuals and communities. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses because it provides an understanding of the factors that influence health behavior and the principles of population health. This knowledge can help Public Health Nurses develop effective programs to improve the health of their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Quality Improvement Specialist

Quality Improvement Specialists are responsible for improving the quality of healthcare services. This course may be useful for Quality Improvement Specialists because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes. This knowledge can help Quality Improvement Specialists develop and implement more effective quality improvement programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Improvement Specialist

Health Services Researcher

Health Services Researchers are responsible for conducting research to improve the delivery and quality of healthcare. This course may be useful for Health Services Researchers because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes. This knowledge can help Health Services Researchers develop more effective research methods and produce more meaningful results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Services Researcher

Actuary

Actuaries are responsible for assessing the financial risks of insurance companies and other financial institutions. This course may be useful for Actuaries because it provides an understanding of the principles of value-based care and the tools and techniques used to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare. This knowledge can help Actuaries develop more accurate risk models and make better decisions about how to price insurance products.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Medical Writer

Medical Writers are responsible for creating written materials about medical topics. This course may be useful for Medical Writers because it provides an understanding of the principles of population health and the tools and techniques used to improve population health outcomes. This knowledge can help Medical Writers create more accurate and informative materials about health.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Health Economist

Health Economists are responsible for analyzing the costs and benefits of healthcare interventions. This course may be useful for Health Economists because it provides an understanding of the principles of value-based care and the tools and techniques used to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare. This knowledge can help Health Economists make informed decisions about how to allocate healthcare resources.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Health Care Administrator

Health Care Administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for Health Care Administrators because it provides an understanding of the principles of value-based care and the tools and techniques used to improve the quality and affordability of healthcare. This knowledge can help Health Care Administrators make informed decisions about how to improve the care provided by their organizations.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Care Administrator

Social Worker

Social Workers provide support and assistance to individuals and families who are facing challenges. This course may be useful for Social Workers because it provides an understanding of the social determinants of health and the impact of social factors on health outcomes. This knowledge can help Social Workers develop effective interventions to improve the health and well-being of their clients.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts are responsible for researching, analyzing, and developing policies to improve the healthcare system. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts because it provides an understanding of the factors that influence health care costs and the principles of value-based care. This knowledge can help Health Policy Analysts develop policies that are effective in improving the quality and affordability of healthcare.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst