Course in Foundations of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning in Public Health

Course Content

• Logframes, indicators, and targets
• Primary vs. secondary data sources and the role of HMIS
• Development of precise data collection tools, including electronic methods
• Microsoft Excel for data management, analysis, and visualization
• Tailoring reporting content and format to diverse stakeholders’ needs
• Feedback loops and adaptive management strategies

Content

This course delves into the foundational principles of monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the frame of global public health. You will explore key concepts such as log frames, indicators, and targets, alongside an examination of typical primary and secondary data sources, including the pivotal role of Health Management Information Systems (HMIS).

Practical sessions will focus on the development of data collection tools, including electronic data collection methods while adhering to best practices for data collection and ethical standards.

You will develop Microsoft Excel competencies for basic data management, analysis, and visualization, empowering students to harness data effectively for decision-making purposes.

Tailoring reporting content and format to diverse stakeholders’ needs, alongside fostering feedback loops and adaptive management strategies, will be emphasized to enhance program effectiveness and impact.

This course is tropEd accredited and can be followed as a stand-alone course or as a specialisation course of the Master in Public Health and Health Equity programme.

Learning methods

Engagement in this course will encompass a blend of interactive lectures, practical workshops, case studies, and group discussions.

Feedback and guidance from experienced instructors will facilitate an immersive learning experience, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for success in the field.

Assessment:

For participants who wish to receive a certificate of completion of the course, including the ECTS credits, the assessment is required.

If you do not wish to do the assessment, you can receive a certificate of attendance of the course.

Objectives

At the end of the course, the participants will be able to:

• Construct operational log frames, define indicators, and establish targets for public health initiatives, distinguishing between primary and secondary data sources (including by not limited to the role of Health Management Information Systems)
• Develop primary data collection tools and approaches that adhere to best practices and ethical standards for data collection in health
• Use Microsoft Excel proficiently for fundamental data management, analysis, and visualization tasks (Implement data entry protocols, perform basic data quality checks, apply descriptive statistical functions, and construct pivot tables, create charts and scatterplots)
• Appraise reporting requirements against information needs across diverse stakeholders in public health and customize reporting content and format accordingly while recognizing the importance of feedback loops and adaptive management in enhancing program effectiveness and impact