This course introduces students to the application of epidemiological principles to the study, evaluation, and improvement of healthcare services. Designed for Master of Science students in public health, epidemiology, health services research, and related fields, the course examines how healthcare is delivered, accessed, utilized, and experienced across diverse populations and systems.
Students will learn to measure and interpret key indicators of healthcare quality, equity, efficiency, and safety?including access, utilization, effectiveness, patient outcomes, and disparities. The course emphasizes the use of observational data, administrative databases, surveys, and health information systems to assess healthcare performance and inform policy. Topics include health services utilization patterns, provider and system-level variations, patient safety, quality improvement frameworks, health equity in care delivery, and the role of epidemiology in health system reform.
Through case studies, real-world datasets, and critical analysis of current literature, students will develop the skills to design and interpret studies that evaluate healthcare services and contribute to evidence-based health system strengthening.