Impact Evaluations for Health Systems Strengthening

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.