Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems from Coursera

This specialization is intended for people interested in health systems and how they function. Participants will learn about the global health systems landscape and the challenges and opportunities to achieve better health outcomes.

This specialisation is divided into three courses which are offered as massive online open access courses (Courses 1-3), and a fourth course which is offered as part of the Online MPH degree (capstone). The Health Systems Development specialisation is geared toward learners who have no prior knowledge of health systems or those who are starting to explore this area of study. Overall, sessions in this specialisation span 16 week with approximately 96 hours of viewing learning materials per week. Formative assessments in the form of quizzes and activities are incorporated throughout the weeks to help learners gauge their level of depth of understanding and to prepare them for their summative assessments.

Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of areas within health systems. The first course will introduce the main building blocks of health systems and shed some light on key components of well-functioning health systems including how health system performance is assessed. In course two, students will learn how to conduct a health impact assessment and how to assess the impacts of policies, plans and projects, as well as how that support decision-makers make choices regarding alternatives and improvements to prevent disease or injury and to actively promote health. The third course explores human resources for health and service delivery. In this course, students will learn about and analyse country experiences in transforming health services delivery, and interventions and to address human resources for health challenges at a global level.

By the end of this specialisation, learners should be able to identify key components of, and critically compare, different health systems; analyse country experiences in transforming services; and apply theoretical framework for assessing the health impacts of policies, plans and projects.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Health Systems

This week you will learn about what is meant by health systems through Identifying key components of well-functioning health systems, and the importance of the interplay between the six building blocks listed in the WHO Building Blocks framework . You will also learn about the differences between health system functions, how to distinguish between various health financing models, and the impact of health system organisation on health seeking behaviour.

Health Systems Governance

This week you will learn about health system governance and priority setting. You will also learn how health priorities are determined in various health systems around the world, and get a chance to appreciate the challenges facing good health system governance.

Health Systems Performance Assessment

This week you will learn about health system performance assessment. You will learn how to evaluate the extent to which a health system meets its key objectives through learning how to Identify components of health system performance assessment and applying health system performance assessment tools.

Universal Health Coverage

This week you learn what is meant by universal health coverage (UHC), and how taking steps towards UHC means steps towards equity, development priorities, and social inclusion and cohesion. You will also learn about examples from across the globe whereby countries are implementing reforms to advance universal health coverage.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores the fundamentals of health systems, which is important for understanding how healthcare is delivered around the world

Develops knowledge of health systems governance and priority setting, which are essential for effective healthcare management

Provides practical insights into assessing health system performance, empowering learners to evaluate healthcare outcomes

Emphasizes the importance of universal health coverage, promoting equitable access to healthcare

Introduces the core components of well-functioning health systems, providing a solid foundation for understanding healthcare delivery

Teaches methods for conducting health impact assessments, enabling learners to evaluate the impact of policies on health outcomes

Reviews summary

Lauded health systems overview

Learners say this comprehensive course is well-developed with engaging content that's well-presented. Highly recommended, learners largely positive reviews mention this course helped them understand health systems on a global scale.

Students say the course helps them understand complex health systems.

"helped me understand the intricacies of any health system in the world."

"This course help me in my studies and in my career, to understand the health system in my countri and evaluate it"

"It was very useful for me, very interesting to know about the health system of my country, the determinants and differences of what it encompasses."

Learners describe the content as very informative and educational.

"learned a lot in this course"

"Very informative and engaging content"

"Very well developed course"

Vast majority of learners are very positive about this course.

"Great and fully engaging course!"

"The presentations are very clear and precise!"

"Excellent course, very compresible and with information precisa."

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 Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems with these activities:

Review fundamental concepts of public health

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Refreshing your understanding of public health concepts will provide a strong foundation for your study of health systems.

Browse courses on Health Systems

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Review the core principles and theories of public health
Consider how public health principles apply to health systems

Review basic statistics and data analysis techniques

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Refreshing your understanding of statistics and data analysis techniques will enhance your ability to interpret and analyze health system data.

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Review statistical concepts and methods
Practice applying data analysis techniques to health-related data

Compile notes and review past coursework

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Reviewing past coursework and notes can help refresh your understanding of health systems and key concepts.

Browse courses on Health Systems

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Gather all notes, assignments, and past coursework
Organize and review the materials
Identify areas where you may need further clarification

Three other activities

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Join a study group or discussion forum

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Engaging in discussions with peers can provide diverse perspectives, clarify concepts, and enhance your understanding.

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Identify or join a study group or discussion forum
Actively participate in discussions
Share your knowledge and ask clarifying questions

Explore external resources and tutorials

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Delving into external resources and tutorials can provide additional insights and enrich your understanding of specific health system topics.

Browse courses on Health Impact Assessment

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Identify relevant external resources and tutorials
Review and analyze the materials
Apply the acquired knowledge to your understanding of health systems

Develop a presentation or infographic

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Creating a presentation or infographic allows you to synthesize and present your understanding of health systems in a structured and visual manner.

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Choose a specific topic or aspect of health systems
Research and gather relevant information
Design and develop your presentation or infographic
Share your presentation or infographic with others

Career center

Learners who complete Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Systems Analyst

As a Health Systems Analyst, you'll study health systems at a granular level. You'll learn about health policies and the impact they have on various aspects of health systems. This will help you to understand the complexities of health systems and how to improve them. You will also develop skills in data analysis, which are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of health policies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Systems Analyst

Health Policy Analyst

As a Health Policy Analyst, you will be responsible for analyzing and evaluating health policies. This course will provide you with a strong foundation in health systems and health policy analysis. You will learn about the different types of health systems, how they are financed, and how they deliver care.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Health Program Manager

As a Health Program Manager, you will be responsible for planning and implementing health programs. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to develop and manage effective health programs. You will learn about the different types of health programs, how to design and implement them, and how to evaluate their effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Program Manager

Healthcare Consultant

As a Healthcare Consultant, you will advise healthcare organizations on how to improve their performance. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to understand the healthcare industry and to provide effective consulting services. You will learn about the different types of healthcare organizations, the challenges they face, and the best practices for improving their performance.

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Health Economist

As a Health Economist, you will use economic principles to analyze health care issues. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the economics of health care and to conduct economic analyses of health care policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Global Health Specialist

As a Global Health Specialist, you will work to improve the health of people in developing countries. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to understand the challenges facing global health and to develop and implement effective global health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

Public Health Researcher

As a Public Health Researcher, you will conduct research to improve the health of populations. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to design and conduct public health research studies and to analyze and interpret the results of those studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Health Policy Advocate

As a Health Policy Advocate, you will work to influence health policy decisions. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to understand the health policy process and to advocate for policies that improve the health of the public.

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Health Administrator

As a Health Administrator, you will manage the day-to-day operations of a health care organization. This course will give you the knowledge and skills you need to understand the health care industry and to manage a health care organization effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Administrator

Health Insurance Analyst

As a Health Insurance Analyst, you will analyze health insurance data to identify trends and patterns. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the health insurance industry and to analyze health insurance data effectively.

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Medical Underwriter

As a Medical Underwriter, you will assess the risk of issuing health insurance policies. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the health insurance industry and to assess the risk of issuing health insurance policies effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Underwriter

Actuary

As an Actuary, you will use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess the financial risks of insurance companies. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to understand the insurance industry and to assess the financial risks of insurance companies effectively.

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Statistician

As a Statistician, you will collect, analyze, and interpret data. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively.

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Data Analyst

As a Data Analyst, you will use data to solve problems and make decisions. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to collect, analyze, and interpret data effectively.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst