This specialization is intended for people interested in health systems and how they function. Participants will learn about the global health systems landscape and the challenges and opportunities to achieve better health outcomes.
This specialisation is divided into three courses which are offered as massive online open access courses (Courses 1-3), and a fourth course which is offered as part of the Online MPH degree (capstone). The Health Systems Development specialisation is geared toward learners who have no prior knowledge of health systems or those who are starting to explore this area of study. Overall, sessions in this specialisation span 16 week with approximately 96 hours of viewing learning materials per week. Formative assessments in the form of quizzes and activities are incorporated throughout the weeks to help learners gauge their level of depth of understanding and to prepare them for their summative assessments.
Participants will have the opportunity to explore a range of areas within health systems. The first course will introduce the main building blocks of health systems and shed some light on key components of well-functioning health systems including how health system performance is assessed. In course two, students will learn how to conduct a health impact assessment and how to assess the impacts of policies, plans and projects, as well as how that support decision-makers make choices regarding alternatives and improvements to prevent disease or injury and to actively promote health. The third course explores human resources for health and service delivery. In this course, students will learn about and analyse country experiences in transforming health services delivery, and interventions and to address human resources for health challenges at a global level.
By the end of this specialisation, learners should be able to identify key components of, and critically compare, different health systems; analyse country experiences in transforming services; and apply theoretical framework for assessing the health impacts of policies, plans and projects.
Overview
Syllabus
- Introduction to Health Systems
- This week you will learn about what is meant by health systems through Identifying key components of well-functioning health systems, and the importance of the interplay between the six building blocks listed in the WHO Building Blocks framework . You will also learn about the differences between health system functions, how to distinguish between various health financing models, and the impact of health system organisation on health seeking behaviour.
- Health Systems Governance
- This week you will learn about health system governance and priority setting. You will also learn how health priorities are determined in various health systems around the world, and get a chance to appreciate the challenges facing good health system governance.
- Health Systems Performance Assessment
- This week you will learn about health system performance assessment. You will learn how to evaluate the extent to which a health system meets its key objectives through learning how to Identify components of health system performance assessment and applying health system performance assessment tools.
- Universal Health Coverage
- This week you learn what is meant by universal health coverage (UHC), and how taking steps towards UHC means steps towards equity, development priorities, and social inclusion and cohesion. You will also learn about examples from across the globe whereby countries are implementing reforms to advance universal health coverage.
Taught by
Dr Sondus Hassounah
