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Dr Richard J Pinder

The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit builds on public health thinking (introduced in the previous course) and introduces a variety of core public health approaches (the toolkit) to conceptualising problems, conducting analysis and bringing forward recommendations. In this course we cover health needs assessment, evaluation and public health intelligence-approaches.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to the course and Module 1: Health Needs Assessment
One of the core tools of public health practice is health needs assessment. In this module, you will learn how need is defined, and three key types of needs assessment: health needs assessment, health and wellbeing needs assessment, and healthcare needs assessment.
Read more
Welcome to Module Two: Health Intelligence
In this module, you will learn about the field of public health intelligence: what it is, how it works and why it underpins almost everything that we do in public health practice. You'll hear about the public health intelligence cycle, and tools that we use to identify and contextualise data.
Welcome to Module Three: Evaluation in Public Health
What is evaluation in public health? This module will introduce you to several key types of evaluation in public health, including outcome evaluation, process evaluation, and formative evaluation. You will also learn how quality is measured in health care. At the end of the module, you will have the opportunity to undertake your own evaluation, in the form of a logframe matrix.
Welcome to Module 4: Analysis in Public Health
In the final module of this course, you will learn about analysis in public health. Analysis is essentially breaking something down so it can be more easily understood, and in this module, you will learn different techniques for doing this. You will also learn about intelligence briefings, and will end the module by writing your own intelligence briefing.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores public health thinking, conceptualizing problems, and analysis
Introduces core public health approaches for health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence
Provides a solid foundation in health needs assessment, including types and applications
Covers public health intelligence, including its cycle and data identification techniques
Introduces various types of evaluation in public health and their applications
Develops skills in analysis, breaking down complex issues for better understanding

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Reviews summary

Well-received public health foundations

learners say this course is well-received and provides a solid foundation in public health practices. It features engaging assignments, clear lectures and helpful materials that make learning easy to follow. Students find the course to be challenging but rewarding.
Course materials provide valuable insights and practical knowledge.
""This course is full of the way how to fight the issues in Public health.""
""Coursera always deliver quality teaching and it is a motiv to learn new skills from talented mentors from world premiere institution.""
""It is an excellent course. In a brief but very complete way, it provides the key and essential elements for anyone who is in the process of starting their public health practice.""
Lectures are well-organized and easy to understand.
""A really good grounding in the analysis and evaluation.""
""This course is really interesting and engaging. The lecture materials and activities are well structured, easy to follow and conducive to learning.""
""This is a great course with clear explanation and understanding of the essential toolkit require to analyse through the public health's perspective !""
Assignments are helpful and well-structured.
""The lecture materials and activities are well structured, easy to follow and conducive to learning.""
""This course is really interesting and engaging.""
""Challenging, practical and useful.""
There have been delays in peer review for some assignments.
""The course has two assignments that require peer review. As far as I understand, there are assignments that were submitted about a year ago and they have still not been peer-reviewed.""
""This course might be a dead end.""
Some students have experienced issues with grading.
""All my grades were erased and no one at customer service was able to help e retrived them. I took and passed all the quizzes and they went away ""
""The methods of evaluation leave much to be desired. I feel like more user-testing should be done.""

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 Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit with these activities:
Read 'Introduction to Public Health' by Richard J Pinder
Build a firm foundation in the concepts and principles of public health by reviewing key concepts covered in the book.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
  • Read the book thoroughly.
  • Summarize the main concepts and principles.
  • Identify any questions or areas that need further clarification.
Attend Public Health Webinars and Conferences
Expand your knowledge and connect with experts in the field by attending public health webinars and conferences.
Browse courses on Public Health
Show steps
  • Search for upcoming webinars and conferences in the field of public health.
  • Register for the events that align with your interests.
  • Attend the webinars or conferences.
  • Take notes and ask questions.
Design a Public Health Needs Assessment Survey
Apply the principles of health needs assessment by designing a survey to collect data on a specific public health issue in your community.
Show steps
  • Identify the specific public health issue you want to address.
  • Determine the target population for your survey.
  • Research existing surveys and best practices for survey design.
  • Draft the survey questions.
  • Pilot test the survey and make necessary revisions.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Complete Online Quizzes on Health Intelligence
Enhance your understanding of health intelligence and its role in public health practice by completing online quizzes.
Show steps
  • Identify reputable online platforms or courses that offer quizzes on health intelligence.
  • Register for the quizzes or access the online materials.
  • Complete the quizzes.
  • Review your results and identify areas for improvement.
Follow Tutorials on Statistical Analysis for Public Health
Strengthen your analytical skills by following video tutorials and practicing statistical analysis techniques relevant to public health.
Show steps
  • Identify online platforms or courses that offer tutorials on statistical analysis for public health.
  • Select tutorials that align with your learning goals.
  • Follow the tutorials step-by-step.
  • Practice the techniques on real-world public health datasets.
Participate in Workshops on Health Needs Assessment
Gain practical experience and insights by participating in workshops led by experts in health needs assessment.
Show steps
  • Identify workshops on health needs assessment in your area or online.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions.
  • Apply the knowledge and skills learned in the workshop to your own work.
Write a Blog Post on a Public Health Evaluation
Develop your writing skills and deepen your understanding of public health evaluation by writing a blog post on a specific evaluation project.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific public health evaluation project to write about.
  • Gather information and data related to the project.
  • Analyze the data and identify key findings.
  • Draft the blog post, clearly presenting the evaluation process and its outcomes.
  • Publish the blog post on a relevant platform.
Participate in Case Competitions or Hackathons in Public Health
Challenge yourself and apply your public health knowledge by participating in case competitions or hackathons.
Browse courses on Public Health
Show steps
  • Identify case competitions or hackathons related to public health.
  • Form a team or work individually.
  • Develop a solution or proposal to the case or challenge.
  • Practice your presentation or submission.
  • Submit your solution or proposal.

Career center

Learners who complete Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Health Education Specialist
Health Education Specialists develop, implement, and evaluate health education programs. These programs aim to improve health behaviors and promote healthy lifestyles. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and patterns of diseases and injuries in populations. They use this information to develop and implement public health interventions to prevent and control diseases. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of epidemiology. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify and address public health problems. They use this information to develop and implement policies and programs to improve the health of populations. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Health Policy Analyst
Health Policy Analysts develop and evaluate policies and programs to improve the health of populations. They use their knowledge of public health principles and methods to inform decision-makers about the most effective ways to improve health outcomes. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of public health. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Social and Behavioral Scientist
Social and Behavioral Scientists conduct research to understand the social and behavioral factors that influence health. They use this information to develop and implement interventions to improve health behaviors and promote healthy lifestyles. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Health Educator
Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve health outcomes. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Community Health Worker
Community Health Workers provide health education and support to individuals and families in their communities. They work to improve health outcomes and promote healthy lifestyles. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Health Promotion Specialist
Health Promotion Specialists develop and implement programs to promote healthy behaviors and lifestyles. They work with individuals, groups, and communities to improve health outcomes. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Nonprofit Public Health Specialist
Nonprofit Public Health Specialists work for nonprofit organizations to protect and improve the health of populations. They develop and implement public health programs, and they conduct research to identify and address public health problems. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Government Public Health Specialist
Government Public Health Specialists work for government agencies to protect and improve the health of populations. They develop and implement public health policies and programs, and they conduct research to identify and address public health problems. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Public Health Nurse
Public Health Nurses provide health care and education to individuals and families in their communities. They work to improve health outcomes and promote healthy lifestyles. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to be successful in this role.
Research Scientist
Research Scientists conduct research to advance scientific knowledge and understanding. They may work in a variety of fields, including public health. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a comprehensive introduction to the field of public health, including health needs assessment, evaluation, and public health intelligence. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who are interested in conducting research in public health.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use their skills to solve problems and make informed decisions. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of statistics. This course may be useful for Statisticians who are interested in working in the field of public health.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data. They use their skills to identify trends and patterns, and to make informed decisions. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course provides a strong foundation in the principles and methods of data analysis. This course may be useful for Data Analysts who are interested in working in the field of public health.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of health care services. They work to improve the efficiency and quality of care. The Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit online course may be useful for Healthcare Administrators who are interested in learning more about the principles and practices of public health.

Reading list

We've selected seven books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Foundations of Public Health Practice: The Public Health Toolkit .
Provides a comprehensive overview of evaluation in health and social care, covering both theory and practice.
Provides a concise and accessible introduction to epidemiology, covering both theory and practice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of international public health, covering both theory and practice.

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