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Smisha Agarwal, Michelle Colder Carras, and shivani pandya

In this course, you will learn about methodologies that support the successful data use to strengthen public health programs and policies. Experts from around the world will define and explain what population-level data is, introduce the data-generation-to-use cycle, and explain other considerations for successful data use for population health. You will also learn about how health services data can be used to inform population-level decision-making, and the application of a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Our overarching goal for this course is to support and improve the use of data to inform policy.

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In this course, you will learn about methodologies that support the successful data use to strengthen public health programs and policies. Experts from around the world will define and explain what population-level data is, introduce the data-generation-to-use cycle, and explain other considerations for successful data use for population health. You will also learn about how health services data can be used to inform population-level decision-making, and the application of a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Our overarching goal for this course is to support and improve the use of data to inform policy.

The course is the result of a collaboration among multiple partners, including Vital Strategies, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation, the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 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.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Using Data to Advance Health
Building Capacity for Data Use
Making an Impact with Data
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Poses barriers for learners who are not in the public health domain
Is an excellent choice for both beginners and intermediate learners in the public health domain
Features instructors who are experts in the public health field
Offers a good foundation in data use for public health
May be useful for those working in public health policy

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Reviews summary

Global data for health policy & practice

According to learners, this course is a highly valuable resource for professionals seeking to understand how to use data effectively to advance public health programs and policies globally. Students particularly highlight the course's strong overview of population health data, its unique focus on gender and equity perspectives, and the practical application of data in real-world scenarios. The course structure is logical and features contributions from knowledgeable expert instructors from leading global health organizations like WHO and CDC. While many find the content highly relevant and insightful for policy-making, some students noted a limited focus on hands-on data analysis techniques, suggesting it's more suited for strategic understanding than deep technical skill development.
Provides valuable and current insights, though minor updates are needed.
"The content is highly relevant to current public health challenges and data application."
"Some content could benefit from updates to reflect the very latest data tools and methodologies."
"Though some references felt slightly older, overall, it's a very strong offering that stands the test of time for its core message."
Well-structured content delivered by knowledgeable global experts.
"The course structure felt logical, moving smoothly from theoretical concepts to practical application."
"Instructors were knowledgeable, and their lectures were clear and easy to follow."
"The expert speakers provided incredibly diverse and valuable perspectives from their respective organizations."
Praised for its unique global insights and focus on equity.
"The modules on global perspectives and the equity lens were particularly insightful and timely."
"I greatly appreciated the focus on gender and equity, a crucial aspect often overlooked in other courses."
"The global case studies were very engaging and provided diverse, real-world examples."
Excellent for understanding data's role in public health policy.
"This course provides an excellent overview of data use in public health programming and policy."
"I found it definitely geared for public health policy people, which was exactly what I needed."
"A truly comprehensive course for anyone interested in how data can inform population health initiatives."
Some expected more hands-on data analysis, found it more theoretical.
"I felt it was a bit superficial at times, lacking the in-depth technical details I was hoping for."
"As a data analyst, I was looking for more hands-on data skills, but this was more of a general policy course."
"I expected more concrete data analysis examples rather than just theoretical discussions about data use."

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 Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives with these activities:
Review basic statistical principles
Reviewing these basics will ensure a smoother experience in learning about data.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review your notes or the course textbook from any previous course you took in statistics.
  • Go through practice questions and exercises.
Online tutorials on data analysis
Following online tutorials on data analysis will help you learn the tools and techniques used in population health.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials on data analysis that are relevant to your course.
  • Complete the tutorials at your own pace.
Volunteer at a public health organization
Volunteering at a public health organization will let you observe the practical applications of the principles and data you learn in this course.
Browse courses on Public Health
Show steps
  • Find a public health organization that interests you.
  • Apply for a volunteer position.
  • Be a committed and reliable volunteer.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Study group
Discussing materials with others can improve your understanding of data usage principles.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with a few classmates.
  • Meet regularly to discuss the course material.
Data visualization practice
Having adequate practice with visualizing data will prepare you to visualize data for population health policies.
Browse courses on Data Visualization
Show steps
  • Choose a dataset.
  • Create a variety of visualizations using different software or tools.
Presentation on data use for policy
A presentation on the process will help you consider the factors involved and best practices for data use.
Browse courses on Data Use
Show steps
  • Research and gather information about data use for policy.
  • Identify the key principles and best practices.
  • Develop a presentation that is visually appealing and easy to understand.
Write a blog post on a population health topic
Writing a blog post on a population health topic will help you synthesize your knowledge and think critically about the issues.
Browse courses on Population Health
Show steps
  • Research a population health topic.
  • Develop a thesis statement.
  • Write a blog post that is informative and engaging.

Career center

Learners who complete Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts use data to improve the health of the public. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Public Health Analyst in their career.
Health Policy Analyst
A Health Policy Analyst uses data to inform health policy. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Policy Analyst in their career.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists use data to solve problems. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Data Scientist in their career.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists use data to investigate and control diseases. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Epidemiologist in their career.
Health Education Specialist
Health Education Specialists use data to promote health and prevent disease. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Education Specialist in their career.
Population Health Manager
Population Health Managers use data to improve the health of populations. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Population Health Manager in their career.
Health Communicator
Health Communicators use data to communicate health information to the public. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Communicator in their career.
Environmental Health Scientist
Environmental Health Scientists use data to investigate and control environmental hazards. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Environmental Health Scientist in their career.
Occupational Health Nurse
Occupational Health Nurses use data to protect workers from health hazards. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel an Occupational Health Nurse in their career.
Registered Dietitian
Registered Dietitians use data to promote healthy eating. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Registered Dietitian in their career.
Health Services Manager
Health Services Managers use data to manage health care organizations. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Services Manager in their career.
Physician
Physicians use data to diagnose and treat diseases. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Physician in their career.
Social Worker
Social Workers use data to help people improve their lives. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Social Worker in their career.
Health Insurance Agent
Health Insurance Agents use data to help people find health insurance plans. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Health Insurance Agent in their career.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists use data to help people take medications safely and effectively. This course may be useful because it teaches how to use data to strengthen public health programs and policies. Additionally, the course discusses how to use a gender and equity lens towards these data systems to ensure they are responsive to the needs of populations. Both of these skill sets can help propel a Pharmacist in their career.

Reading list

We've selected eight 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 Data to Advance Population Health: Global Perspectives.
This framework provides guidance on how to use data to improve health and development outcomes. It valuable resource for anyone working in the field of public health.
Provides an overview of the global burden of disease from a gender perspective. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This report provides an overview of the impacts of climate change on health. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This toolkit provides guidance on how to measure progress towards the SDGs. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This guide provides guidance on how to implement the urban health agenda. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This policy framework provides guidance on how to achieve health for all. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.
This guide provides practical guidance on how to develop and implement health information systems in developing countries. It valuable resource for anyone working in this field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of data quality management and assessment. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about this topic.

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