The purpose of the training is to equip you with knowledge and skills in using data to improve health services. The course will build your understanding of the meaning of data, the importance of data quality, and how to analyse and use data for quality improvement. In understanding all aspects of data, you’ll be in a better position to use data and information to enhance your work with the health system. This will support overall programme improvement.
This distance learning course is available in two comparable formats: paper-based workbook and elearning. The course is comprised of 10 modules, with a certificate of completion available for each module as well as for the overall course. The modules include multiple parts, which have interactive and practical learning exercises, realistic vignettes, case studies, and quizzes for self-assessment. Each module also has a pre- and post-test. The proposed overall contact time for this course is 60 hours.
The intended audience includes health sector personnel based within local health facilities (such as Primary Health Care, Community Health Care), District Hospitals, District and Provincial Health Departments, and non-governmental organisations. The course is suitable for any cadre that would like to improve their understanding and use of data within their various systems.
This course is targeted to:
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible participants should have at least one or more of the following qualifications and experience within the following fields in relation to health service provision and programme management:
Depending on your preference and available resources, you may take this course from the paper-based workbook or by the elearning modality. Both of these modes teach the same information, but in different ways. This is the e-learning version. Each module is made up of narrated self-paced segments, or parts. There are interactive exercises in each part. This orientation will teach you how to navigate the segments.
Click to open the orientation module. Click here to start the orientation module
This course is entirely distance based. There are no in-person activities. You’ll be in charge of understanding and applying this course in your role as a healthcare provider. By reading or listening to all the materials, thinking about the self-reflection questions, answering the quiz questions, and doing all the exercises, you’ll be able to pass the post-tests at the end of each module. If you don’t complete the work, then you won’t learn the information very well and may have difficulty passing the post tests and understanding the concepts in the next module (and, more importantly, you won’t learn information critical to improve your ability to perform your role as a healthcare provider).
Self-study requires motivation and discipline, but allows you to learn when and where it’s convenient for you.
Good luck!
To complete the modules, you will need:
Each module in the course will take about 4-6 hours to complete. This includes time for you to review the course material, complete the practice exercises, and take the pre- and post-tests to assess your knowledge and skills. You are welcome and encouraged to go at your own pace.
At the end of each module, if you submit a post-test with a passing score, you will receive a certificate of completion for that module.
This course is designed so that a module can be finished in one week, for a total of 10 weeks to complete the entire course. Some learners, however, may require more time. You have up to 180 days (6 months) to complete the entire course.
Once you have completed all 10 modules in this course, you will be able to:
This course was developed by I-TECH South Africa (International Training and Education Center for Health South Africa) at the request of the Department of Health of South Africa. Contributors to the course materials include:
University of Washington Contributors:
I-TECH Contributors:
NICD - National Institute of Communicable Diseases Contributors:
Wits – University of Wits Watersrand Contributors:
UKZN - University of Kwazulu Natal Contributors: