Course Description and Learning Outcomes

Course Description  

This course introduces the theoretical principles and concepts related to the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of population health interventions, addressing the behavioural, social, economic, and environmental risk factors for chronic diseases. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to

  1. describe how behavioural risk factors and the social determinants of health are related to population-level chronic disease outcomes;
  2. differentiate between individual or clinical interventions and population-level interventions;
  3. explain various theories guiding the development of population health interventions and the evidence supporting the application of these theories;
  4. describe various types of population health interventions (e.g., health communication campaigns) and the evidence supporting the application of these interventions;
  5. develop a hypothetical plan in response to a selected population health issue that includes an appropriate mix of population health interventions by applying theory and evidence, including community data;
  6. examine the methods and major challenges associated with evaluating and disseminating the results of population health interventions.

A range of public health issues, including tobacco use, income inequality, alcohol and illicit drug abuse, food insecurity, preventable injuries, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), will be used to illustrate concepts and develop skills. Emphasis will be placed on self-learning through reading and problem-based learning. The online modules will highlight and link important constructs, theories, perspectives, and bodies of evidence. The assignment will provide an opportunity for students to iteratively solve a major public health problem by designing a strategic intervention framework.

Learning Outcomes

The course is designed to help participants to develop the following skills and competencies related to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of population health interventions:

  • Describe key concepts related to the health status of populations and the determinants of health and illness
  • Utilize community/population-level data, including key behavioural, social and economic indicators, for planning population health interventions
  • Incorporate evidence to guide the development of population health interventions
  • Identify the internal and external factors that may impact the implementation of population health interventions
  • Describe the range and roles of key stakeholders (e.g., different levels of government and community partners) in the development of interventions to foster healthier populations
  • Decide on appropriate courses of action for public health issues utilizing current frameworks for population health intervention planning and implementation
  • Communicate effectively in writing to make the case for action on a selected health issue using an appropriate mix of remedial population health interventions
  • Articulate the health, economic, administrative, legal, social, and political implications and expected outcomes of potential population health interventions

 

This online course was developed by Brian Hyndman, with instructional design and multimedia development support provided by the Centre for Extended Learning. It incorporates content from an earlier version of this course developed by Dr. Paul McDonald. Further media production was provided by Instructional Technologies and Multimedia Services.