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Health Systems Development: Introduction to Health Systems

Approx. 27 hours to complete

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Course Summary

This course provides an introduction to health systems and explores the various components and functions of a health system. Students will learn about health system financing, governance, delivery, and workforce issues.

Key Learning Points

Understand the components and functions of a health system
Learn about health system financing, governance, delivery, and workforce issues
Gain insights into the challenges and opportunities facing health systems globally

Learning Outcomes

Understand the key components and functions of a health system
Identify the major challenges facing health systems globally
Develop strategies to improve health system performance

Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course

Basic knowledge of healthcare systems
Familiarity with global health issues

Course Difficulty Level

Intermediate

Course Format

Online
Self-paced

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Global Health Diplomacy
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Related Education Paths

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Description

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.

Knowledge

Critically compare different health system models in order to identify opportunities and challenges for health systems around the world.

Outline

Introduction to Health Systems
What is a Health System? (Part 1)
What is a Health System? (Part 2)
Health System Functions
Historical Evolution of Thinking about Health Systems
Health System Financing (Part 1)
Health System Financing (Part 2)
Case Study: Health Financing and Health Seeking Behaviours (Lusardi et al Research Findings)
Recap
About Imperial College & the Team
How to be successful in this course?
Grading Policy
Glossary and Reading List
Introduction to Health System
Global Health System Actors
High Quality Health Systems
Bismarck or Beveridge: a Beauty Contest between Dinosaurs
Key Health Financing Terms
Health System Functions
Health Financing
Health System Financing

Health Systems Governance
Health Systems Governance
Defining Priority Setting in Health and Healthcare
Country Experiences in Priority Setting
Recap
Health System Governance on a Global Level
Health System Governance: Principal–Agent Linkages and Health System Strengthening
The Global Health System: Actors, Norms, and Expectations in Transition
Defining the Global Health System and Systematically Mapping its Network of Actors (Optional Reading)
Priority Setting in Healthcare: Lessons from the Experiences of Eight Countries
How are New Vaccines Prioritized in Low-Income Countries?
Health System Governance
Health System Governance and Priority Setting
Priority Setting in Health & Healthcare

Health Systems Performance Assessment
What Constitutes a "Good" Health System?
Health System Performance Measurement (Part 1)
Health System Performance Measurement (Part 2)
Tools for Health System Performance Assessment (Part 1)
Tools for Health System Performance Assessment (Part 2)
Exercise: Conduct a Quick Health System Performance Assessment
Recap
Introduction to Health System Performance Assessment
Improving Performance of Health Systems
Optional Readings
Health System Profiles
Health System Profiles
Health System Performance Assessment

Universal Health Coverage
What is Universal Health Coverage and Why Does it Matter?
Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage: Examples from Around the World
Peer Review Assessment Briefing
Course 1 Recap
Course 2: Looking Ahead
Sustainable Development Goals
Tracking Universal Health Coverage
System Thinking for Health System Strengthening
Universal Health Coverage

Summary of User Reviews

Discover the fundamentals of healthcare systems with Introduction to Health Systems on Coursera. This course covers the basics of healthcare systems, including the role of healthcare providers, financing and policy, and global health issues. Overall, users have found the course to be informative and well-organized, with many praising the instructor's expertise in the field. One key aspect that many users thought was good is the course's emphasis on real-world examples and case studies.

Pros from User Reviews

Well-organized course material
Expert instructor with a strong background in healthcare systems
Real-world examples and case studies make the material more engaging
Interactive quizzes and assignments reinforce learning
Course is accessible to beginners in the field

Cons from User Reviews

Some users found the course material to be too basic
Lack of interaction with other students and the instructor
Limited opportunities for discussion and feedback
Some users experienced technical difficulties with the platform
Some users felt that the course was not challenging enough

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