Applying Participatory Approaches in Public Health Settings

Course Overview

What does this course tell? (Please note that the following overview content is from the original platform)This course specifically explores approaches and tools and how to apply them in public health settings. Students will learn how to critically analyse the power dynamics present between multidisciplinary stakeholders and appreciate the need for reciprocity between those delivering and those receiving health care; between both those conducting and those participating in research. They will also learn how to select and evaluate different participatory approaches to apply these to public health programmes and/or research. Tools with which to do this include undertaking a stakeholder-mapping exercise and needs assessment, including a critical and reasoned narrative to justify the approach. While this course, as with the rest of the specialisation, focuses on public health and ways of involving citizens and patients in programmes and research, these concepts apply to other disciplines too. So, you don't have to be a public health specialist or work in healthcare to gain insight from this course. If you would like to learn more about the theories and core principles of participation within a public health context, we suggest taking Introduction to Participatory Approaches in Public Health. If you're planning a research project and want to learn more about participation in resaerchs, explore our course Public Involvement in Research.We considered the value of this course from many aspects, and finally summarized it for you from two aspects: skills and knowledge, and the people who benefit from it: (Please note that our content is optimized through artificial intelligence tools and carefully reviewed by our editorial staff.) What skills and knowledge will you acquire during this course? During this course, students will acquire the following skills and knowledge:

1. Critical analysis of power dynamics: Students will learn to critically analyze the power dynamics present between multidisciplinary stakeholders in public health settings. They will understand the importance of recognizing and addressing power imbalances to ensure equitable participation.

2. Reciprocity in healthcare: Students will appreciate the need for reciprocity between those delivering and those receiving health care. They will understand the importance of involving patients and citizens in decision-making processes and ensuring their voices are heard.

3. Selection and evaluation of participatory approaches: Students will learn how to select and evaluate different participatory approaches to apply in public health programs and research. They will understand the strengths and limitations of various approaches and be able to choose the most appropriate one for a given context.

4. Stakeholder mapping and needs assessment: Students will gain skills in undertaking stakeholder mapping exercises and needs assessments. They will learn how to identify key stakeholders and their roles in public health settings, as well as how to assess the needs and priorities of different stakeholders.

5. Justification of participatory approaches: Students will learn how to develop a critical and reasoned narrative to justify the use of participatory approaches in public health programs and research. They will understand the importance of providing evidence-based justifications for the chosen approach.

6. Applicability to other disciplines: While the course focuses on public health, the concepts and skills learned can be applied to other disciplines as well. Students do not need to be public health specialists or work in healthcare to benefit from this course.

Overall, this course will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of participatory approaches in public health settings and equip them with the skills to effectively apply these approaches in their work. Who will benefit from this course? This course will benefit individuals working in public health settings, including healthcare professionals, researchers, and public health practitioners. It will also be valuable for individuals involved in public health programs and research, such as policymakers, community leaders, and program coordinators. Additionally, individuals from other disciplines who are interested in learning about participatory approaches and involving citizens and patients in their work can also benefit from this course.