Health Science Population Health (DHS)

This course examines descriptive methods used in applied population health research, including survey methodology, qualitative and mixed methods approaches, record abstraction, case studies, correlational and cross-sectional studies, cohort and panel studies, and methods to assess reliability and validity.

This course provides an overview of the field of health services research as it applies to population health, offering a fundamental framework for health research methods, including critical analysis of population health and health services research literature. Each research method/technique and associated topic areas will be presented through lecture and reinforced through small group exercises and homework. A classical validity approach to the design and evaluation of health intervention programs will serve as the foundation for this course. Classical theories of causality and experimental design to include operationalization of variables, threats to validity, and experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research designs will be covered.

Provides comprehensive overview of population health, value-based care, and evolution of payment models for the healthcare executive. Prepares leaders to evaluate current models of care and to develop new models based upon organizational preparedness and population needs, including the social determinants of health. Explores clinical care management programs including risk scoring and stratification, transitions of care, pharmacy management, mobile health, care of complex populations, palliative and end of life care, behavioral health, and future trends.

This course examines the methods and tools used in conducting and analyzing systematic reviews of the literature, including constructing research questions, defining inclusion and exclusion criteria, search strategy, record abstraction, data management, data synthesis, and methods to address bias and other influences on research outcomes and interpretation. The course will also review recommended protocols for conducting and reporting systematic reviews of the literature and related research (i.e., PRISMA, SQUIRE, etc.).

Presents a multidisciplinary framework and methodology to promote the integration of scientific evidence into healthcare practice, policy and research. Addresses Implementation Science and the evaluation of evidence, stakeholder/organizational readiness, systems thinking, and approaches to implementation. Provides opportunities to develop design strategies, assess data needs, and complete a project implementation plan.

This course applies statistical and methodological concepts to specific implementation research projects conducted in population health, including quality and patient safety improvement, patient and panel risk prediction and management, service line growth strategies, resource management, and other critical operations.

This is a writing-intensive course designed to sharpen the academic and professional writing skills of healthcare leaders to produce high quality scholarship and thought leadership.

Introduces basics of descriptive and inferential statistics, including sampling, probability, and regression. The course will emphasize interpretation of statistical results, data management, and generation of tables and graphs that can inform reports, evaluations, and quality improvement effort in public and population health. Applications include estimation of confidence intervals; testing statistical hypotheses for population means, proportions, and variances; and use of non-parametric tests. Utilizes MS Excel as a software tool to enter and analyze public health data. Uses Philadelphia regional data from the Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC) and CDC National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG) data as basis for student assignments.

This course builds upon content covered in DHS 707: types of data, variables and measurement styles; measures of central tendency (mean, median, mode, sd); populations vs samples; generalizability, probability, confidence intervals, and correlations between variables. The course will progress to application of the skills learned in the previous course, focusing on inferential statistics, hypothesis testing, and multivariable analysis methods for analyzing data.

This course will strengthen student understanding of key change models, and the leadership needed to implement effective change within healthcare. Students will complete self-assessments, case study reviews, and peer feedback to gain greater knowledge of one’s own effectiveness as a change leader. Designed as a learning lab, the course allows students to practice and apply change management theories through peer feedback activities.

This course will provide students with a detailed understanding of Value-Based Care and the population, financing, payment models, stakeholders, performance improvement, quality measures, regulations, and compliance associated with Value-Based Care payors. Medicare, Medicaid, and Commercial payor programs will be explored. Students will gain insight into the current issues and possible future scenarios for Value-Based Care.

This session provides a high-level overview of key concepts in population health and related research, including: health disparities, social determinants of health, the role of data, value-based care and alternative payment models. Contemporary issues and challenges in population health are explored in a roundtable discussion with select speakers and presenters from the annual Population Health Colloquium.

This session provides content focused on developing dissertation research, including selection of appropriate models, how to frame questions, where to find data, and how to use it to make decisions. It will include opportunities for students to write, review, and critique sample proposals, as well as a workshop regarding how to access university research resources and writing supports.

The primary themes in this residency are the role of statistics, data and analytics, and critical thinking, as they relate to the development of the dissertation. The sessions will include a thorough review of the tools and resources available to students to collect and analyze data, improve writing mechanics, and become more conversant with APA format.

DHS 753 Spring Residency IV prepares students for the dissertation phase of the program. It includes information regarding IRB system training, paperwork requirements and guidelines, and resources to support student writing. In addition to a thorough overview of the dissertation process and timelines, there will be opportunities for students to interact with faculty to refine and focus their research project.

This course provides key information and supports regarding the components of the dissertation proposal. The sessions will be held virtually over the fall semester and will include an overview of the dissertation process and committee structure; IRB tutorial for project submission; and preparation for the proposal defense.

DHS 755 Summer Residency VI is dedicated to guiding students through the preparation of the dissertation for the final defense. It includes information regarding ProQuest paperwork requirements and guidelines, resources to support preparation of presentation slides for defense, and an exploration of resources available to update and revise their professional profile and resume/CV. In addition to informational presentations, there will be ample opportunity for discussion, interaction, and focused conversation, both informal and facilitated by faculty moderators and guest speakers.

Stage 1 of the dissertation development process. Students must submit the final approved dissertation proposal to receive course credit.

Stage 2 of the dissertation development process. Students must make satisfactory progress on the dissertation to receive course credit.

Stage 3 of the dissertation development process. Students must submit the final dissertation document and successfully present the dissertation project to receive course credit.

Students sign up for this one-credit course if they are unable to complete their dissertation within the timeframe proposed in DHS 855. The tuition for this course is the current graduate credit rate in effect. A formal request for this extension must be submitted to the Program Director and the Director of Academic Affairs via email. The email communication must include an expected timeline for completing the dissertation. Failure to successfully meet the expectations of this extension can result in an F grade.