Evaluating Public Health Programs at Scale from Coursera

This course provides an introduction to evaluating public health programs at scale. This course focuses on evaluating public health programs and policies in low- and middle-income countries, however, core skills of designing and carrying out an evaluation are applicable to any public health programs and policies. The course will equip you with skills to:

1. Critique an evaluation of an international health program, identifying its strengths and possible weaknesses and how they could be addressed.

2. Develop a technically-sound evaluation plan for a reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health (RMNCAH) and nutrition program being implemented at scale in a low- or middle-income country, including evaluation design, key indicators, measurement methods, analysis, and communication of results.

3. Guide program managers and donors through a process of agreeing on priority evaluation activities included in an evaluation plan for a specific RMNCAH and nutrition program.

4. Make informed decisions about whether they want to pursue further learning and/or a professional role as an evaluator of large-scale programs.

The development of this course was supported by a grant from Government Affairs Canada (GAC) for the Real Accountability, Data Analysis for Results (RADAR) project.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Getting Started in the Course

Program evaluations are important in global health for many reasons. Some of the most important reasons are to: 1) service as a "reality check" on subjective expectations; 2) to guide continued improvement of the program; and 3) to justify continued funding. In this course, you will learn how to design and carry out high-quality program evaluations that answer the priority questions of program managers. Although much of the content is relevant to all program evaluations, we will focus on the evaluation of programs being delivered at scale by governments and their partners in low and middle income countries. This module will introduce you to program evaluation and our focus on effectiveness evaluations of large-scale reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition (RMNCH&N) programs.

Module 2: Designing the Evaluation - Part 1

This module will walk you through the steps to designing an evaluation including identifying relevant stakeholders, developing an impact model, and selecting appropriate data sources and indicators.

Module 3: Designing the evaluation - Part 2

This module will help you choose appropriate evaluation designs after defining priority evaluation questions.

Module 4: Methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions

This module will guide you through how to critically appraise a program's targets for coverage and impact using the Lives Saved Tool, assess program implementation strength and quality of care, measure coverage, and estimate program impact.

Module 5: Implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program

This module will outline steps to developing measurement and analysis plans, integrating equity in your evaluations, and how to promote the uptake and use of evaluation results.

Module 6: Course review and exploring your potential as an external evaluator of large-scale programs

This module will review all course concepts using a real-world example - the evaluation of integrated community case management of childhood illness (iCCM) in Ethiopia. The course concludes with a reading on helpful skills for evaluators and resources for further learning about evaluation.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Introduces a core set of skills relevant to evaluating public health programs

Focuses on evaluating maternal and child health programs in low- and middle-income countries

Provides opportunities to practice developing evaluation plans and analyzing results

Guided by instructors with experience in international health evaluation

May require additional knowledge of program evaluation concepts and methods

Reviews summary

Highly praised evaluation course

Learners say this course provides in-depth instruction and valuable resources for evaluating public health programs. The course is lauded for its exceptional content and practical approach, which equips learners with the skills and knowledge needed to assess program effectiveness. High-quality materials, engaging assignments, and a structured curriculum are frequently praised by students.

Course instructor is highly knowledgeable.

Course offers practical skills for evaluating programs.

"This course was a great learning experience where I learnt to evaluate the program by breaking it down into different components and analyze each component rather than finding a binomial answers if the project worked or not."

"This was similar to assessment for learning."

Course provides exceptional content.

"I was absolutely astounded by the quality of content provided by John Hopkins University."

"There is a prime example of why they are one of the best public schools on planet Earth."

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 Evaluating Public Health Programs at Scale with these activities:

Review the book 'Evaluating Public Health Programs' by Robert C. Patton

Show steps

This book provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of evaluating public health programs.

View Kaplan and Sadock's Comprehensive Text of... on Amazon

Show steps

Read the book.
Summarize the key concepts in the book.
Write a review of the book.

Develop an evaluation plan for a reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health (RMNCAH) and nutrition program

Show steps

This activity will help you apply the concepts of module 2 and 3 by developing an evaluation plan for a public health program.

Browse courses on Program Evaluation

Show steps

Identify the program you will be evaluating.
Develop an impact model for the program.
Select appropriate data sources and indicators.
Define priority evaluation questions.
Write the evaluation plan.

Participate in a peer review session to discuss evaluation plans

Show steps

This activity will help you receive feedback on your evaluation plan and improve your evaluation skills.

Browse courses on Peer Review

Show steps

Find a peer or group of peers to review your evaluation plan.
Share your evaluation plan with your peers.
Receive feedback from your peers.
Revise your evaluation plan based on the feedback you received.

Show all three activities

Career center

Learners who complete Evaluating Public Health Programs at Scale will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Evaluation Specialist

An Evaluation Specialist designs, implements, and evaluates programs and projects. They work in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. This course may be useful for Evaluation Specialists who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The modules on designing the evaluation, implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program, and course review and exploring your potential as an external evaluator of large-scale programs may be particularly useful as they cover the entire evaluation process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Evaluation Specialist

Nonprofit Manager

A Nonprofit Manager plans, implements, and evaluates programs and services for nonprofit organizations. They work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The modules on designing the evaluation, implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program, and course review and exploring your potential as an external evaluator of large-scale programs may be particularly useful as they cover the entire evaluation process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Program Manager

A Program Manager plans, implements, and evaluates programs and projects. They work in various sectors, including healthcare, education, and social services. This course may be useful for Program Managers who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The modules on designing the evaluation, implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program, and course review and exploring your potential as an external evaluator of large-scale programs may be particularly useful as they cover the entire evaluation process.

See salaries and explore the career path for Program Manager

Global Health Specialist

A Global Health Specialist works to improve the health of populations around the world. They work for a variety of organizations, including NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations. This course may be useful for Global Health Specialists who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on designing the evaluation - Part 1 may be particularly useful as it covers how to identify stakeholders and develop an impact model.

See salaries and explore the career path for Global Health Specialist

Research Scientist

A Research Scientist conducts research in a specific field of science. They may work for universities, government agencies, or private companies. This course may be useful for Research Scientists who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as it covers how to design and conduct research studies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Research Scientist

Public Health Nurse

A Public Health Nurse works to improve the health of communities. They provide a variety of services, including health education, vaccinations, and screenings. This course may be useful for Public Health Nurses who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as it covers how to measure the impact of public health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Nurse

Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst researches, analyzes, and develops health policies. They work for government agencies, think tanks, and advocacy groups. This course may be useful for Health Policy Analysts who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program may be particularly useful as it covers how to promote the uptake and use of evaluation results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Data Scientist

Data Scientists use their knowledge of statistics, programming, and data analysis to solve problems. They work in various industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as it covers how to use data analysis techniques to measure program impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Scientist

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist investigates the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. They play a crucial role in public health by identifying the causes of disease and developing strategies to prevent and control them. This course may be useful for Epidemiologists, as it provides an overview of evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on designing the evaluation - Part 2 and the module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as they cover program design and measurement methods.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

International Development Specialist

An International Development Specialist works to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They work for a variety of organizations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and international organizations. This course may be useful for International Development Specialists who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on designing the evaluation - Part 1 may be particularly useful as it covers how to identify stakeholders and develop an impact model.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Specialist

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician applies statistical methods to data related to living organisms. They work in various fields, including public health, medicine, and biology. This course may be useful for Biostatisticians who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as it covers how to use statistical methods to assess program impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Biostatistician

Clinical Research Coordinator

A Clinical Research Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations of clinical research studies. They ensure that studies are conducted according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines and that data is collected and managed accurately. This course may be useful for Clinical Research Coordinators who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs at scale. The module on implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program may be particularly useful as it covers how to develop measurement and analysis plans.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Coordinator

Health Economist

Health Economists use their understanding of economics and healthcare to improve healthcare delivery. They are often employed by government agencies, research institutions, or healthcare providers. This course may be useful for Health Economists as it provides an overview of evaluating public health programs at scale, with a focus on reproductive, maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition programs. The module on methods and tools to answer priority evaluation questions may be particularly useful as it covers how to measure coverage and estimate program impact.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Medical Writer

Medical Writers create and edit written content related to healthcare and medicine. They may work for pharmaceutical companies, healthcare providers, or medical journals. This course may be useful for Medical Writers who want to learn more about evaluating public health programs. The module on implementing an effectiveness evaluation of a large-scale program may be particularly useful as it covers how to develop measurement and analysis plans and how to promote the uptake and use of evaluation results.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Health Scientist Administrator

A Health Scientist Administrator plans and administers research programs. Typically, this professional works within a particular area of medicine or public health. Health Science Administrators often manage multiple research studies and may have significant staff oversight responsibilities. This course may be useful as it provides an overview of planning an evaluation phase for a public health program. Specifically, the module on designing the evaluation - Part 1, may be particularly useful as it covers stakeholder identification and the development of an impact model.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Scientist Administrator

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 Evaluating Public Health Programs at Scale.

Making every school a health-promoting school

Save

Provides a concise overview of the principles and methods of monitoring and evaluating health programs. It useful resource for anyone involved in the design, implementation, or evaluation of health programs.

Making every school a health-promoting school

Paperback

Check price

Making every school a health-promoting school

Kindle Edition

Check price

Project Analysis in Developing Countries

Save

This classic text provides a comprehensive overview of health evaluation in developing countries, covering all stages of the evaluation process and offering practical insights into common challenges.

Project Analysis in Developing Countries: Cost...

Paperback

$$$

HSc-Home Science-TB-11_E-R

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the evaluation of health programs, covering all aspects of the process from design to implementation to reporting. It valuable resource for anyone involved in program evaluation.

Home Science 11th

Perfect Paperback

Epidemiology E-Book

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the methods used to evaluate health programs, covering both qualitative and quantitative methods. It valuable resource for anyone involved in program evaluation.

Epidemiology - Elsevier eBook on VitalSource...

Misc. Supplies

Health Science Research

Save

A practical guide to qualitative research methods in health, with a focus on the practical aspects of carrying out a qualitative research study. Provides valuable insights into the principles of qualitative research, as well as into the practical aspects of data collection, analysis, and reporting.

Health Science Research

Paperback

$$$