Methods in Health Policy and Health Systems Research
Health systems research and implementation science play an important role in improving the performance, equity, quality, and sustainability of health systems. In increasingly complex health environments, policymakers and practitioners require solid analytical frameworks and methods to understand how health systems function and how effective interventions can be designed, implemented, and evaluated. This course introduces key concepts, frameworks, and methodological approaches used in health policy and systems research. It provides participants with the opportunity to critically reflect on selected tools and methods, assess their strengths and limitations, and explore their practical application in analysing health system performance and supporting informed decision-making in diverse health contexts.
Upon successful completion of this course, the participants will be able to:
- Develop an understanding of health systems performance frameworks and critically assess key methods and tools used in health policy and systems research.
- Understand the performance framework of health systems and main conceptual elements of this framework
- Be aware of pro’s and con’s of selected methods and tools used in health policy and systems research
- Have an understanding on selected methods and tools used in health policy and systems research
| Course language: | English |
| Duration: | 4h |
| Next Start: | 12 January 2027 |
| Workload and ECTS: | 8h of workload / ECTS: can be awarded in case of combination with other courses of the “methods” category |
Dates 2027
Tuesday, 12 January , 2027, 13.00 - 17.00 h.
The course will be covered by face-to-face teaching in combination with pre-reading and home assignments.
Workload: 8h / The crediting of ECTS is possible and requires:
- Prepare for each block by studying relevant material chosen by the lecturer. You will receive your pre-reading material in due time before each module.
- Be present at the course
- Complete an assessment of your acquired knowledge at the end of the course. This may be a small quiz or a written assignment.
If all requirements have been met, you will receive a certificate for 8 hours of workload.
To add this course to your academic record, please create a Learning Contract on MOnA, before the start day of the course and follow the instructions of your respective faculty.
This course is open for everyone who is interested in gaining an overview of the latest research methods used in Health Sciences. It is especially appropriate for clinical investigators and research personnel involved in the statistical analysis of clinical research projects.
The course is specifically tailored for PhD students of the PhD subject Clinical Research enrolled at the University of Basel, Faculty of Medicine.
Moreover, PhD students of the GSMHS and of other PhD subjects of the Faculty of Medicine (Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Ethics, Medicines Development, Nursing Science, Public Health/ Epidemiology or Sport Science) are eligible to register for the course.
No prior knowledge of the specific topic is required.
Minimum 10 and maximum 15 registered participants.
CHF 350 CHF
Reduced course fee DKF research group members (for details see *)
*)The Department of Clinical Research (DKF) offers training grants for members of DKF research groups which result in a reduced fee of CHF 200. Please note, that training grants can only be offered to DKF clinical research group members, who are working at the group leaders’ local study center.
Limited free places available for (MD-)PhD Students of the GSMHS and of all (MD-)PhD subjects of the Medical Faculty of the University of Basel.
Cancellation of your registration is possible until 10 days before the course date. Cancellation thereafter or absence from the course will result in a cancelation fee of half the course fee.
Organiser
Department of Clinical Research, University of Basel, c/o University Hospital Basel
Directors of Studies
Dr. Andrea Kiemen, Scientific Officer Training & Education, Department of Clinical Research (DKF)
Dr. Anja Matthiä, Coordinator Teaching and Training, Swiss TPH
Teaching Staff:
Experts from the Medical Faculty, University of Basel and Swiss TPH
Prof. Kaspar Wyss, PhD
Mareike Gräter
Training and Education
Department Clinical Research (DKF), University of Basel
c/o University Hospital Basel
Spitalstrasse 8/12
CH-4031 Basel
mareike.graeter@clutterusb.ch
Tel. +41 61 556 59 76
Registration will be opened in summer 2026
Medical Faculty, University of Basel
University of Basel
TBD