Diffusion, Implementation and Quality Assurance of Health Innovations in Europe

Full course description

Once we know what good and best practices are (modules 2 and 3), once we know what role EU institutions play in bringing this evidence to norms (module 4), we need to know how to really ensure that good and best practices are known, accepted and implemented with a sustainable positive effect. We focus on aspects of diffusion and dissemination by taking (policy) learning and transferability into account. Thus, the aim of this module is to enable students to learn and think critically about the translation, diffusion/dissemination (incl. references to “scalability”, “transferability” and “policy learning”), and implementation

At the same time, modern society is riddled with complex and near-unsolvable problems (so-called wicked problems). These require a highly multidisciplinary approach to even conceptualise, let alone address. Students will become acquainted with wicked problems and the non-linear approach modern leaders have to think in in order to address them. They will connect this with the diffusion theory in order to explore why good practices have not spread further than they have.

Students started to study assessment tools and evaluation methods earlier in the programme (module EPH4003). Now the focus switches from identifying examples of good practices in the earlier phases of policy making (assessment/agenda setting/policy formulation) to monitoring , assessing and evaluating the implementation and impact (output and outcome) of (European) policy interventions.