Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health from Coursera

In this course, you will learn about traditional and emerging techniques in population-level data collection that can be used to strengthen public health programs and policies. Experts from around the world will define and explain key concepts in the design and implementation of population-based surveys, focusing on the use of emerging survey techniques such as mobile phone and web-based surveys, health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries. You will learn about how these data can be used to inform population-level decision-making, and the application of a gender and equity lens to ensure they are tracking and responsive to the needs of populations. Our overarching goals for the course are to support the collection of population-level health data, track trends, plan interventions, and enhance the monitoring of major risk factors for early death - especially from non-communicable diseases.

The course is the result of a collaboration among multiple partners, including Vital Strategies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Rwanda Ministry of Health, United Nations, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the World Health Organization. This course was funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, with co-funding from the Australian government and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Population-Based and Household Surveys

Emerging Techniques For Population-Level Data Collection

Health Service Data: Opportunities and Challenges

Population-based Health Registries

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops foundational to advanced skills in designing and implementing population-based surveys, health services data, and health registries

Taught by experts from around the world, including Vital Strategies, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Rwanda Ministry of Health, United Nations, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, and the World Health Organization

Examines how to use emerging survey techniques, such as mobile phone and web-based surveys, health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries

Teaches how to apply a gender and equity lens to ensure data is tracking and responsive to the needs of populations

Explores techniques that strengthen public health programs and policies

Requires extensive background knowledge and experience in public 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 Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health with these activities:

Review Population-Based Health Surveys

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Review the basics of population-based health surveys to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course content.

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Read an article or chapter on population-based health surveys.
Take a practice quiz on survey design.

Follow a tutorial on mobile phone-based surveys

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Explore emerging survey techniques, such as mobile phone-based surveys, by following a guided tutorial.

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Find a reputable tutorial on mobile phone-based surveys.
Follow the steps outlined in the tutorial.
Test the survey you created.

Conduct a mock population-based survey

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Gain hands-on experience by conducting a mock population-based survey, allowing you to apply and refine your knowledge of survey techniques.

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Develop a survey questionnaire based on the principles discussed in the course.
Recruit participants and administer the survey.
Analyze the collected data using statistical software.
Write a report summarizing the findings and discussing the implications.

Three other activities

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Develop a data visualization to present survey findings

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Create a data visualization to present survey findings effectively and engage audiences.

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Identify the key findings from your surveys or other relevant data sources.
Choose an appropriate data visualization tool and format.
Design and create your data visualization.
Test the effectiveness of your visualization.

Develop a health registry data visualization dashboard

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Create an interactive dashboard that visualizes data from a health registry, showcasing your ability to analyze and present population-level health information.

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Select a health registry dataset and identify key indicators to visualize.
Choose appropriate visualization techniques and design the dashboard layout.
Develop the dashboard using data visualization tools.
Test the dashboard for usability and functionality.

Contribute to an open-source population health data platform

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Make meaningful contributions to an open-source platform used for managing and analyzing population health data, enhancing your technical skills and knowledge.

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Identify an open-source population health data platform.
Review the platform's documentation and contribution guidelines.
Identify areas where you can contribute, such as bug fixes, feature enhancements, or documentation improvements.
Submit your contributions to the platform's repository.
Collaborate with other contributors and maintainers.

Career center

Learners who complete Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Policy Analyst

Health Policy Analysts develop and analyze policies that affect the health of populations. They use data to identify health problems, develop solutions, and evaluate the effectiveness of policies. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases and other health conditions in populations. They use statistical methods to analyze data and identify risk factors, and they develop and implement programs to prevent and control diseases. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Survey Researcher

Survey Researchers design and conduct surveys to collect data on populations. They use statistical methods to analyze the data and identify trends and patterns. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survey Researcher

Social Scientist

Social Scientists study the social and cultural factors that affect health. They use qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyze data on health behaviors, attitudes, and beliefs. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Scientist

Public Health Analyst

Public Health Analysts collect population-level data to inform public health policies. They design and implement surveys, collect data from various sources such as health information systems and registries, and use statistical methods to analyze the data. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They use statistical methods to analyze data and develop visualizations to communicate their findings. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to identify trends and patterns. They use statistical methods to develop models and make predictions. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician

Health Economist

Health Economists apply economic principles to health care issues. They analyze the cost-effectiveness of health care interventions and develop policies to improve the efficiency of the health care system. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Public Health Educator

Public Health Educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They use a variety of methods to reach target audiences, including mass media campaigns, community outreach programs, and school-based programs. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Educator

Program Manager

Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate public health programs. They work with stakeholders to develop goals and objectives, secure funding, and manage staff. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct research to improve the health of populations. They use a variety of methods to collect and analyze data, including surveys, experiments, and observational studies. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Health Information Manager

Health Information Managers manage the collection, storage, and use of health information. They develop and implement systems to ensure that health information is accurate, complete, and accessible. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Information Manager

Health Care Consultant

Health Care Consultants provide advice to health care organizations on how to improve their operations and efficiency. They may also develop and implement health care programs and policies. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** may be useful to you in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Care Consultant

Health Care Administrator

Health Care Administrators plan, organize, and direct the delivery of health care services. They work with physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals to ensure that patients receive high-quality care. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** may be useful to you in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Care Administrator

Forensic Scientist

Forensic Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret evidence to help solve crimes. They may also testify in court to explain their findings. **Emerging Approaches for Measuring Population Health** may be useful to you in this role by providing you with training in traditional and emerging survey techniques, the use of health services data and health information systems, and population-based health registries.

See salaries and explore the career path for Forensic Scientist