NEW: Impact Evaluations for Health Systems Strengthening

Content

This intensive course explores the critical role of impact evaluations in strengthening health systems.
You will start by critically analysing stakeholder information needs in order to define relevant evaluation questions. You will learn to define impact and causality and how to use tools to understand and communicate these concepts (e.g. theories of change). And you will appraise the use of various data sources for evaluations, ranging from primary data (qualitative and quantitative) to secondary analysis of existing data (e.g. routine health systems or population health data). Additionally, you will learn to differentiate the type of evidence generated by various types of evaluations designs, ranging from counterfactual to theory-based evaluations.
You will also learn to triangulate quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform programs and policies, while ensuring that recommendations contribute to strengthening health systems.

The course will also address ethical considerations and conflicts of interest in conducting impact evaluations, and the importance of targeted dissemination efforts to key audiences.

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

Learning methods

Engagement in this course will involve a blend of interactive lectures, practical workshops, case studies, and group discussions.
You will obtain hands-on experience in triangulating quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform programs and policies, while ensuring that recommendations contribute to strengthening health systems.
Feedback and guidance from experienced instructors will facilitate an immersive learning experience, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for conducting impactful impact evaluations in health system strengthening.

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.

More on our learning methods:
https://www.kit.nl/institute/study/general-information/

Objectives

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

• Critically analyse how multiple stakeholder needs in the health system influence the design of an evaluation strategy as well as participation and decision making
• Compare and discuss the fundamental concepts that underpin evaluations of health programs within health systems
• Appraise and select new and innovative approaches to evaluations (ranging from counterfactual to Theory-based evaluations) and use this information to formulate the most appropriate evaluation strategy in a given situation
• Triangulate quantitative and qualitative data analyses and appraise evidence to inform programs and policies, while ensuring that recommendations contribute to strengthening health systems

Course Content

The following subjects are covered during the course:

• Theory of Change, impact, causality
• Primary data and secondary analyses of existing data (health monitoring and information systems, population health surveys)
• Counterfactual evaluations, Theory-based evaluations, Mixed-methods evaluations, programme evaluations
• Triangulation of evidence to inform existing programs and policies
• Ethics and conflict of interest
• Targeted Dissemination and communication of evaluation findings

Application

Admission criteria

• Academic training or a professional qualification in a relevant field
• Work experience in a related area, including experience in management or planning in developing countries
• Proficiency in spoken and written English
• Computer literacy is essential: we use a virtual learning platform and digital tools in our education and assignments

Application procedure

The application package is due two months before the start of the course.

Please upload your application online. The following documents should be uploaded:

• A one-page letter of motivation
• Copies of your diplomas and grade reports (academic transcripts)
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae and a list of publications if applicable

What we expect from your motivation letter:

Please indicate in your motivation letter why you want to follow this specific course, why you want to follow the course at KIT Amsterdam, what do you expect to learn and how you will apply your newly gained competencies from the course in your work, what kind of benefits will it bring to your future career, etc. Describe a relevant problem you have experienced in the last two years that you would like to discuss during this specific course. Your motivation should be about ½-1 page. Please do not repeat your CV again.

This course can be taken on its own, or as specialisation course of the Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity (MPH-HE).

Visa requirements

Citizens of most EU or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa to enter the Netherlands. Visit the Nuffic website for the latest information on visa requirements.

Participants from other countries must obtain a short-stay visa (for up to three months) through the Netherlands embassy or consulate covering the applicant’s country. Applicants will need a letter of admission to the course and proof of sponsorship or sufficient funds to cover the course fee, travel and accommodation costs. Applicants should take into account that in some countries this procedure can take several months.

European Credit

The European Credit Transfer System (EC) facilitates the transfer of course credits between different institutions of the same academic level. A course comprising 28 hours of formal teaching and private study is equivalent to one EC credit point.

Insurance requirements

Course participants and accompanying dependents are required by Dutch law to have health, accident and third party insurance. Unless their current insurance policy covers their stay abroad, participants must insure themselves and their dependents in the Netherlands. Dutch insurance companies offer reasonable rates to foreign students. KIT can assist with arranging insurance.

Accreditation

This course is also accredited for the Master of Science in Public Health and Health Equity, organised by KIT Institute and tropEd, a network of European institutions for higher education in international health.

Funding

The arrangement of financial support to cover all study costs is the responsibility of the applicant. KIT does not offer financial support or scholarships.

• Up-to-date approach to complex public health issues
• Practice-oriented
• Exchange between disciplines
• Interactive Education
• Development of personal and professional competencies
• Network building

• Participants from diverse backgrounds and countries
• Personal tutoring
• Teaching by highly qualified specialists
• Positively reviewed by tropEd
• KIT: international centre of excellence in international health and development
• Accredited by NVAO