Systems Thinking In Public Health from Coursera

This course provides an introduction to systems thinking and systems models in public health. Problems in public health and health policy tend to be complex with many actors, institutions and risk factors involved. If an outcome depends on many interacting and adaptive parts and actors the outcome cannot be analyzed or predicted with traditional statistical methods. Systems thinking is a core skill in public health and helps health policymakers build programs and policies that are aware of and prepared for unintended consequences.

An important part of systems thinking is the practice to integrate multiple perspectives and synthesize them into a framework or model that can describe and predict the various ways in which a system might react to policy change. Systems thinking and systems models devise strategies to account for real world complexities.

This work was coordinated by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, the World Health Organization, with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada. Additional support was provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) through a grant (PO5467) to Future Health Systems research consortium.

All rights reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health has a non-exclusive license to use and reproduce the material.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to Systems Thinking and Complex Adaptive Systems

This module introduces the basics of systems thinking and the rationale for using a systems approach to solve public health problems in complex adaptive systems.

System Conceptualization Using Causal Loop Diagrams

This module will introduce you to the concepts of causal loop diagrams and how they can be used in participatory research. You will also be introduced to the software Vensim that allows you to draw causal loop diagrams.

System Dynamics Simulation Using Stock-and-Flow Diagrams

This module will introduce you to the concepts of systems dynamics modeling and will show you how to use Vensim to run a pre-existing system dynamics model.

Practical and policy implications

This Module wraps up the course and shows you how systems thinking can contribute to policy making.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces learners to the fundamentals of systems thinking and complex adaptive systems, providing a foundational understanding for further exploration in this field

Utilizes a practical approach to systems conceptualization, employing causal loop diagrams and participatory research methods, enabling learners to apply these techniques effectively

Focuses on the practical and policy implications of systems thinking, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills to contribute to evidence-informed policymaking

Leverages the software Vensim to facilitate systems dynamics modeling, providing learners with hands-on experience in applying these techniques

Emphasizes the importance of integrating multiple perspectives and synthesizing them into a cohesive framework, fostering a holistic and comprehensive understanding of complex systems

Provides a unique opportunity for learners to engage with experts in the field of systems thinking and public health, offering valuable insights and perspectives

Reviews summary

Excellent systems thinking course

According to students, this excellent systems thinking course is a great way to learn the tools for systems thinking. Learners say this course is well-structured and engaging, featuring a great introduction to Vensim and NetLogo. Many students say they've already started putting their new knowledge into practice in their personal and professional lives.

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 Systems Thinking In Public Health with these activities:

Review 'Thinking in Systems: A Primer'

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Review the classic text on systems thinking to deepen understanding.

View Thinking in Systems: International Bestseller on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly.
Summarize the key concepts in your own words.
Apply the concepts to a real-world problem.

Review basic systems thinking concepts

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Review basic systems thinking concepts to strengthen foundational understanding.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Read articles or books on systems thinking.
Watch videos or attend webinars on systems thinking.
Discuss systems thinking concepts with others.

Organize course notes and resources

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Organize course notes and resources to improve retention and facilitate future review.

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Gather all course materials, including notes, assignments, quizzes, and exams.
Review and summarize key concepts.
Create a study guide or outline.

Six other activities

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Connect with experts in systems thinking

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Connect with experts in systems thinking to gain insights and guidance.

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Identify potential mentors through professional organizations or online platforms.
Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself.
Schedule a meeting to discuss your interests and goals.

Complete online tutorials on systems modeling

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Complete online tutorials on systems modeling to enhance technical skills.

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Identify relevant online tutorials.
Work through the tutorials step-by-step.
Apply the techniques learned in the tutorials to real-world problems.

Build stock and flow diagrams

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Practice building stock and flow diagrams to improve understanding of systems dynamics.

Browse courses on Systems Dynamics

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Review the concept of stock and flow diagrams.
Identify the stocks and flows in a given system.
Draw a stock and flow diagram for the system.

Analyze real-world case studies

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Analyze real-world case studies to apply systems thinking principles to practical problems.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify a relevant case study.
Gather data and information on the case study.
Develop a systems thinking model of the case study.
Analyze the model to identify potential solutions.

Develop a systems thinking framework

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Create a systems thinking framework to apply to real-world public health problems.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Identify the problem or issue to be addressed.
Define the system boundaries.
Identify the key actors and stakeholders.
Develop a causal loop diagram.
Create a systems dynamics model.

Write a blog post on systems thinking

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Write a blog post on systems thinking to share your understanding and insights.

Browse courses on Systems Thinking

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Choose a specific topic within systems thinking.
Research and gather information on the topic.
Write a draft of the blog post.
Edit and revise the blog post.
Publish the blog post.

Career center

Learners who complete Systems Thinking In Public Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Public Health Analyst

Public health analysts are professionals who analyze and interpret public health data to identify health trends and develop solutions to public health problems. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, which include surveys, interviews, focus groups, and statistical analysis. This course provides an introduction to the field of public health analytics and equips students with the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Health Policy Analyst

Health policy analysts are responsible for developing and evaluating health policy proposals. They use their understanding of public health, economics, and politics to assess the potential impact of different policies and make recommendations to policymakers. This course helps build a foundation in health policy analysis by providing a detailed overview of the policymaking process and the tools used to evaluate policy proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics, including public health. They use their knowledge and experience to help organizations solve problems and improve their performance. This course provides a foundation in consulting and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They are experts in their field and use their knowledge to educate students and advance their respective fields of study. This course provides a foundation in teaching and research methods and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

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Actuary

Actuaries use mathematical and statistical techniques to assess risk and uncertainty. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, to develop financial models and make recommendations that can help organizations manage risk and make informed decisions. This course provides a foundation in actuarial science and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actuary

Researcher

Researchers use scientific methods to conduct research to advance their respective fields of study. They work in a variety of settings, including universities, government, and industry, and use a variety of techniques to collect and analyze data. This course provides a foundation in research methods and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Program Manager

Program managers are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and projects. They work in a variety of settings, including government, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, and use their knowledge of project management and public health to ensure that programs and projects are successful. This course provides a foundation in program management and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Health Planner

Health planners are responsible for developing and implementing health plans for communities and organizations. They use their knowledge of public health, epidemiology, and health policy to assess health needs and develop plans to address them. This course provides a solid grounding in the principles of health planning and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Planner

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including healthcare. They use their knowledge of statistics, optimization, and simulation to develop models and make recommendations that can improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare operations. This course provides a foundation in operations research and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Research Analyst

Health Economist

Health economists use economic principles to analyze the costs and benefits of health care interventions. They use their knowledge of economics, public health, and health policy to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of health care programs and make recommendations to policymakers. This course provides a foundation in health economics and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Data Scientist

Data scientists use their knowledge of statistics, computer science, and machine learning to extract insights from data. They work in a variety of industries, including healthcare, to develop models and make recommendations that can help organizations improve their decision-making. This course provides a foundation in data science and helps students develop the skills needed to be successful in this role.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Community Health Educator

Community health educators work with communities to promote health and prevent disease. They develop and implement educational programs, offer counseling services, and advocate for policies that improve health outcomes. This course may be helpful to community health educators by providing them with a deeper understanding of the social and environmental factors that influence health, as well as the tools necessary to develop effective health promotion programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Health Educator

Environmental Health Scientist

Environmental health scientists study the relationship between the environment and human health. They use their knowledge of environmental science, public health, and toxicology to assess the health risks of environmental hazards and develop strategies to protect human health. This course may be helpful to environmental health scientists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the systems thinking approach to public health and the tools necessary to conduct complex environmental health assessments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Health Scientist

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of disease in populations. They use their knowledge of statistics, epidemiology, and public health to design and conduct studies to identify risk factors for disease and develop prevention strategies. This course may be helpful to epidemiologists by providing them with a deeper understanding of the systems thinking approach to public health and the tools necessary to conduct complex epidemiological studies.

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Social Worker

Social workers provide a variety of services to help people cope with mental, emotional, and social problems. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as poverty, mental illness, and addiction. This course may be helpful to social workers by providing them with a deeper understanding of the social and environmental factors that influence health and the tools necessary to develop effective social work interventions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker