This course introduces tools to evaluate programs and public health policies
in the context of urban health. The course provides hands-on training
in the theoretical approach and practical application of evaluation
methodology, ranging from methodologically rigorous quasi-experimental
designs to small tests of change using a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA)
approach. The course will overview how to conduct various study design
and analytical approaches, and the strengths and weaknesses of these
methods. The course is designed to prepare practitioners and academics
to identify appropriate approaches and methods for evaluating programs
and policies, and to determine when, how, and under what circumstances
an evaluation should be conducted. Course work will include critical
assessments of strengths and weaknesses of previous urban health
evaluations, problem sets for practicing methods of analysis, and short
proposals of prospective evaluations.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the fundamentals and applications of policy and program evaluation.
- Understand the most
common methodological approaches used to evaluate policies and programs
in public health, and strengths and limitations of each approach.
- Critically assess the
appropriate study design and analysis method, based on the policy
context, data availability, stakeholder buy-in, and timeline.
Prerequisite knowledge: Some prior experience with regression models is required.
Technical requirements: Instructors will use R and Stata
software to demonstrate analytical approaches used in program and
policy evaluation. Access to R or Stata is recommended if participants
want to follow along but not required. R free software is available for participants to install on their computers. Code will be provided in the course material.
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