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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