Department of Community Health Sciences Health Systems Research and Management

This course is designed to provide basic conceptual and technical skills in undertaking Health Systems Research and using the knowledge generated for program/interventions development and policy decisions leading towards improved Health Systems Management.

It addresses some of the critical management problems that require immediate attention such as lack of planning and proper implementation of health plans, lack of appropriate organizational structure, inefficient management of resources, and lack of quality information for decision making.  Special emphasis is given to the application of management skills for implementing primary health care.

Goals

The Health Systems Research and Management (HSRM) training program is aimed at strengthening the professional expertise and organizational/managerial skills of participants in Health Systems Research and Management.

Objectives

By the end of the course, the participants would be able to:

Ø    Develop leadership capacity and effective team-work skills.

Ø    Demonstrate knowledge of core concepts, strategies and issues of Health Systems Research and Management.

Ø    Conduct Health Systems Research and use research results for better decision-making.

Ø    Utilize existing resources within their health programs more effectively and efficiently.

Ø    Monitor and evaluate health care programs.

Ø    Apply management skills for implementation of primary health care.

Content

Ø    Systems Approach to Health Care

Ø    Primary Health Care

Ø    Strategic Planning and Human Resource Management

Ø    Management Information System

Ø    Quality Control

Ø    Financial Management

Ø    Health Systems Research

Ø    Program Development, Monitoring and Evaluation

Ø    Leadership Skills

Ø    Institutional Management

Project Development

This part of the course provides a practical opportunity to each participant to apply concepts and skills learned towards addressing an identified research and/or management issue related to their work setting.

Pre-course Task

Participants are required to identify the project topic and prepare in advance the background information that can be utilized while designing individual projects.

Structure

HSRM is a full time course lasting three weeks.  It is conducted in English and instruction is provided mainly by the faculty of the Department of Community Health Sciences at the Aga Khan University.  Participants bring with them a breadth of experience in projects from different countries and learning is encouraged through a mutual sharing of experiences.  Pre- and post-course tests are conducted to evaluate the performance of the instructors and the value of the program to its participants.

Teaching Methods

A highly participatory method of teaching and learning is followed which includes interactive lectures, large and small group discussions and group presentations.  Case studies are used to better understand practical problems of healthcare research and management.  Video presentations and field visits are also offered.

Duration of the Course

The course takes 17 working days (Approximately eight hours a day, and five days a week). For the Year 2000, this course is schedule from June 6 – 28.

Tuition Fee the Course

Pak. Rs. 19,500.00, which covers classroom instructions, course materials, field visit, lunch and refreshments during working hours.