Time Schedule:
Kenneth Gimbel-Sherr
G H 590
Seattle Campus
Focuses on topics relevant to global health. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
The past several decades have witnessed remarkable advances in medical science and the discovery of new medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic tools that have the capacity to lead to large improvements in global health. However, the translation of research findings into practice has been slow and uneven. As a result, many of the solutions to health problems are not applied, leading to a widening gap between what is known and what is done in practice (what the World Health Organization refers to as the “know-do gap”). Implementation science has the potential to reduce this gap by applying systematic research and evaluation approaches to identify and address the barriers to effective replication and scale-up of evidence-based interventions in local settings. This course provides an introduction to the emerging field of implementation science by outlining various methods that are applied to improving implementation (including applied engineering, management tools, health systems and policy research), and using experiential case studies from global health leaders.
The material is presented in a format that includes both guest lecturers and case studies. Content of the discussions is shaped by the experience of the students and lecturers.
The schedule is built around two areas. The first defines the conceptual framework and appropriate methodologies for implementation science. The second provides case studies from global health experts that apply this conceptual framework to public health problems of global health importance, focusing on practical successes and failures in implementation 10-20 years post innovation.
Student learning goals
1. Identify the major factors that limit the translation of efficacy trials to effective health programs, and describe the role of complementary research methods in the development of evidence-based health programs and policies.
2. Explain appropriate research and evaluation methods to overcome impediments to implementation and facilitate timely scale-up of proven interventions with high levels of fidelity and effectiveness.
3. Contextualize and explain real-world examples where sound interventions failed or succeeded.
4. Describe the framework for designing successful implementation strategies and apply them to a real world problem.
General method of instruction
The course will include both methodological lectures and case studies.
Recommended preparation
The course is open to graduate-level students.
Class assignments and grading
Grades for this course will be based on the following:
1. Analysis paper (50% of grade). Students will be asked to develop a 1500-2000 word paper analyzing the application of one methodological approach covered in the course to a specific health program or intervention package (for example, application of economic and cost analysis to male circumcision for HIV prevention). The paper should review what has been done to date in this area; analyze and describe challenges, needs and opportunities; and articulate a strategy to apply this method in order to further improve scale-up. You are encouraged to select a topic that aligns with your group projects, but does not overlap significantly with others in your group. You will be expected to select a topic and hand in a one page written outline no later than Thursday, April 22nd. The paper is due Thursday, May 20th. The paper must not exceed 2,000 words, excluding bibliography, and should include between 15-25 references. See course website for more details.
2. Group presentation (40% of grade). Students will divide into small groups of 4-5 and work in a team to apply the course’s methodological framework to implementation of a national program related to one of the last 6 course case studies in a country that will be assigned by the course co-directors. Each group will have 15 minutes to present on their topic, with an additional 15 minute question and answer session with the course students, co-directors and case study faculty from that day. The project will be introduced and groups will be assigned on Tuesday, April 6th.
3. Class participation (10% of grade). It is expected that students read the required materials before each lecture, and actively participate in discussions.
Grading of assignments will be based on the clarity of your thinking, evidence and logic supporting your arguments, and the organization and effectiveness of your presentation.
