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.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

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

Mastering public health program evaluation at scale

According to the course design and syllabus, this program offers a comprehensive understanding of evaluating public health programs. It equips learners with practical skills for designing and implementing evaluations, with a specific focus on large-scale interventions in low- and middle-income countries, particularly for RMNCAH and nutrition programs. The curriculum follows a structured approach, covering everything from stakeholder identification and impact models to selecting evaluation designs, measuring outcomes using relevant tools like the Lives Saved Tool, and promoting the uptake of results. Learners benefit from a real-world application through case studies, making it highly valuable for professionals in the global health context.

A highly targeted course best suited for specific public health professionals.

"As someone focused on global health, I found this course perfectly aligned with my professional goals and interests."

"This course is ideal for those specifically interested in large-scale program evaluation in low- and middle-income settings."

"I understand this course is highly specialized, which is great for targeted learning, but might not suit general public health interests."

Uses practical examples to solidify learning and apply evaluation tools.

"The real-world example of iCCM in Ethiopia is an excellent way to consolidate all course concepts."

"I learned how to apply tools like the Lives Saved Tool to critically appraise program targets and estimate impact."

"The course helps me make informed decisions about pursuing a professional role as an evaluator of large-scale programs."

Well-organized modules cover all phases of program evaluation.

"The syllabus is well-structured, guiding me through each step of designing and implementing an evaluation."

"I found the modules on choosing appropriate evaluation designs and measurement methods to be very thorough."

"The systematic approach from concept to communicating results ensures a holistic understanding of evaluation."

Specialized content highly relevant to low- and middle-income countries.

"The emphasis on public health programs in low- and middle-income countries makes this course highly relevant to my professional work."

"I find the specific focus on RMNCAH and nutrition programs particularly valuable for my professional development."

"The course clearly addresses the unique challenges of evaluating programs at scale in global health settings."

Develops essential skills for designing and implementing evaluations.

"I appreciate how the course provides a clear pathway to develop a technically-sound evaluation plan for large-scale programs."

"The focus on identifying relevant stakeholders and developing impact models is very useful for practical application."

"I feel prepared to critique international health program evaluations, identifying strengths and weaknesses."

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

Browse courses on Peer Review

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

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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

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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Project Analysis in Developing Countries

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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

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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

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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

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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

$$$