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Systems Thinking In Public Health
  • Level Foundation
  • Duration 15 hours
  • Course by Johns Hopkins University
  • Offered by

About

This course provides an introduction to systems thinking and systems models in public health. Problems in public health and health policy tend to be complex with many actors, institutions and risk factors involved. If an outcome depends on many interacting and adaptive parts and actors the outcome cannot be analyzed or predicted with traditional statistical methods. Systems thinking is a core skill in public health and helps health policymakers build programs and policies that are aware of and prepared for unintended consequences. An important part of systems thinking is the practice to integrate multiple perspectives and synthesize them into a framework or model that can describe and predict the various ways in which a system might react to policy change. Systems thinking and systems models devise strategies to account for real world complexities. This work was coordinated by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, the World Health Organization, with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada. Additional support was provided by the Department for International Development (DFID) through a grant (PO5467) to Future Health Systems research consortium. © World Health Organization 2014 All rights reserved. The designations employed and the presentation of the material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement. The mention of specific companies or of certain manufacturers’ products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the World Health Organization in preference to others of a similar nature that are not mentioned. Errors and omissions excepted, the names of proprietary products are distinguished by initial capital letters. All reasonable precautions have been taken by the World Health Organization to verify the information contained in this publication. However, the published material is being distributed without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. The responsibility for the interpretation and use of the material lies with the reader. In no event shall the World Health Organization be liable for damages arising from its use. Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health has a non-exclusive license to use and reproduce the material.

Modules

Welcome

    • 1 Videos
    • 1 Readings
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1 Videos

  • Welcome to Systems Thinking in Public Health

1 Readings

  • Syllabus

Introduction to Systems Thinking and Understanding Complex Adaptive Systems

    • 7 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz Module 1

1 Discussions

  • Up for Discussion

7 Videos

  • Video: Introduction to Systems Thinking
  • Lecture 1A: Why Use Systems Thinking
  • Lecture 1B: Health Systems Applications of CAS: Health Systems Frameworks and the Problem of Implementation
  • Lecture 1C: CAS Pathways: The Problem of Scaling Up
  • Lecture 1D: Where Systems Thinking Helps: Understanding the Types of Problems, Theories, Methods, and Tools
  • Lecture 2A: Systems Thinking In Practice - Understanding and Engaging with Stakeholders
  • Lecture 2B: Network Analysis, Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis, and Summary

1 Readings

  • Module Learning Objectives

Suggested Readings

    • 10 Readings
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10 Readings

  • The Application of Systems Thinking in Public Health - David Peters (2014)
  • When solutions of yesterday become problems of today - Agyepong et al 2012
  • Individual‐based Computational Modeling of Smallpox Epidemic Control Strategies - Burke et al (2006)
  • Dynamic spread of happiness in a large social network - Fowler and Christakis (2008)
  • Why Model? (Epstein 2008)
  • A stakeholder analysis (Varvasovszky & Brugha, 2000)
  • Participatory impact pathways analysis: A practical application of program theory in research-for-development (Douthwaite et al. 2007)
  • 2007 Anderson - Agent based models for simulating policies in complex systems
  • Rwashana AS et. al. System dynamics approach to immunization healthcare issues in developing countries: a case study of Uganda.
  • Hyder A (2010) Stakeholder analysis for health research: case studies from low- and middle-income countries.

System Conceptualization and Mapping

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz Module 2

1 Discussions

  • Up for Discussion

8 Videos

  • Video: System Conceptualization and Mapping
  • Lecture 3A: System Conceptualization and Mapping: Introduction to Causal Loop Diagrams
  • Lecture 3B: Causal Loop Diagrams: Basic Components
  • Lecture 3C: Causal Loop Diagrams: Sources of Data, Strengths, and Weaknesses
  • Lecture 4A: Introduction to Community-Based Causal Mapping Workshop
  • Lecture 4B: Community-Based Causal Mapping Workshop Part 1
  • Lecture 4C: Community-Based Causal Mapping Workshop Part 2
  • Tutorial 1: Developing causal loop diagrams using Vensim

1 Readings

  • Module Learning Objectives

Suggested Readings

    • 8 Readings
Show info about module content

8 Readings

  • Exploring dual practice and its management in Uganda - Paina et al (2014)
  • Advancing the application of systems thinking in health - Rwashana et al (2014)
  • Vensim User Manual
  • Scriptapedia & Original Scripts for Practice Workshop
  • Simplified Variable Elicitation Script
  • Group model building using system dynamics: An analysis of methodological frameworks
  • Community Based System Dynamics
  • Sterman Chapter 5 Causal Loop Diagrams

System Dynamics Simulation Using Stock-and-Flow Diagrams

    • 8 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
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1 Assignment

  • Quiz Module 3

1 Discussions

  • Up for Discussion

8 Videos

  • Video: System Dynamics Simulation Using Stock-and-Flow Diagrams
  • Lecture 5A: Using Stock and Flow Principles for Simulation
  • Lecture 5B: Defining Stocks
  • Lecture 5C: Flow and Control Variables
  • Lecture 6A: Case Example: Application of Stock and Flow Diagrams to Public Health
  • Lecture 6B: Advanced Model of Volume and Quality
  • Lecture 6C: Advanced Model: Cure and Prevention Model
  • Tutorial 2: Tutorial on How To Develop Stock-and-Flow Diagrams Using Vensim

1 Readings

  • Module Learning Objectives

Vensim Models

    • 4 Readings
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4 Readings

  • Vensim Model I - Example Stock and Flow Diagram: Technical Quality
  • Vensim Model II - Example stock and flow diagram: Quality of services
  • Vensim Model III - Performance Based Financing
  • Vensim Model IV - Effect of lobying

Suggested Readings

    • 3 Readings
Show info about module content

3 Readings

  • Advancing the application of systems thinking in public health - Bishai et all (2014)
  • Vensim User Manual
  • Sterman Chapter 6 Stocks and Flows

Simulation using agent-based model (Optional)

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
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1 Discussions

  • Up for Discussion

5 Videos

  • Lecture 7A: Analysis Using Agent-Based Models: Trying Things Out
  • Lecture 7B: Breakdown of the Agent-Based Approach
  • Lecture 7C: Case Study of Epidemic Modeling
  • Tutorial 3A: How to use agent-based models for scenario-building using Netlogo
  • Tutorial 3B: How to use agent-based models for scenario-building using Netlogo

1 Readings

  • Module Learning Objectives

Suggested Readings

    • 2 Readings
Show info about module content

2 Readings

  • How to do agent-based simulations in the future - Helbing and Balietti (2011)
  • Netlogo User Manual

Practical and policy implications

    • 5 Videos
    • 1 Readings
    • 1 Discussion
    • 1 Assignment
Show info about module content

1 Assignment

  • Quiz Module 4

1 Discussions

  • Up for Discussion

5 Videos

  • Video: Practical and policy implications
  • Lecture 8A: How Systems Thinking Can Contribute to Policy Decision Making
  • Lecture 8B: Systems Thinking in Top-Down Policymaking
  • Lecture 8C: Systems Thinking in Bottom-Up Policymaking
  • Lecture 8D: Integration and Summary

1 Readings

  • Module Learning Objectives

Conclusion Video

    • 1 Videos
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1 Videos

  • Conclusion Video

Suggested Readings

    • 2 Readings
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2 Readings

  • Advancing the application of systems thinking in health: why cure crowds out prevention
  • Chapter 4 & 13 Colander & Kupers

Auto Summary

"Systems Thinking In Public Health" is a foundational course focusing on the application of systems thinking and models in public health, taught by Coursera. It addresses the complexity of health policy issues involving multiple actors and factors. The course, lasting approximately 900 hours, is ideal for health policymakers and professionals. Subscription options include Starter and Professional tiers. The course is backed by the Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research and the World Health Organization.

David Bishai, MD, PhD
Instructors

David Bishai, MD, PhD

Ligia Paina, PhD
Instructors

Ligia Paina, PhD