Behaviour Change in Implementation Science

This course is designed to introduce participants to key behavioural science principles and topics. The evidence-based content delivered by BehaviourWorks Australia – the largest university-based behaviour change research organisation in Australia and part of Monash Sustainable Development Institute – in collaboration with the Health and Social Care Unit offers an engaging, flexible and accessible foundation to support learners’ use of behavioural insights.

With a mix of theoretical and practical work, this course will focus on an understanding of individual and group behaviour in a way that identifies opportunities for change. This will involve unpacking health and social care challenges and identifying real-life behavioural solutions.

The course commences with an overview of behavioural approaches to problem-solving, definitions, uses, drivers and barriers to change. The program continues by guiding participants through practical frameworks for behaviour change project and program design, incorporating behaviour change and implementation science tools and methods, to build confidence in applying behavioural insights.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with and discuss behaviour change processes in how they relate to relevant health and social care topics with each other and with behaviour change and implementation science experts at Monash University.

Learning objectives

1. Analyse the role of behavioural science in the context of health and social care
2. Apply project management theories, frameworks and methods to health and social care using a behavioural lens
3. Collect and investigate evidence to inform decision-making from a variety of sources and research methods
4. Identify and analyse complex issues using appropriate approaches, including systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, and behaviour prioritisation
5. Critically evaluate, select and apply appropriate tools and techniques, such as co-design, to assist in the design and development of a behaviour change intervention plan
6. Design evaluation methodology to assess the impact of behaviour change interventions in health and social care

Course outline

WEEK 1 – MODULE 1
Introduction to the BehaviourWorks Method (Behaviour Change) and Implementation Science for Health and Social Care Improvement.

WEEK 2 – MODULE 2
Unpacking Behaviour Change in Health and Social Care Improvement: Understanding the System, Engaging Stakeholders.

WEEK 3 – MODULE 3
Understanding Behaviour Change in Health and Social Care Improvement: Behaviour Change Theory, Priority and Goal Setting.

WEEK 4 – BREAK
A one-week break allows working professionals an opportunity for a break and catch-up on any activities not completed.

WEEK 5 – MODULE 4
Exploring What Works: Reviewing and Collecting Evidence on Effective Health and Social Care Improvement Interventions, Implementation Planning.

WEEK 6 – MODULE 5
Designing Health and Social Care Improvement Interventions: Selecting Measures of Success, Evaluation and Sustainability Planning.

WEEK 7 – MODULE
Implementing and Learning from Health and Social Care Improvement Interventions: Intervention Data and Monitoring, Adaptation, Sharing the Learnings.

WEEK 8 – WRAP UP
No formal learning activities are scheduled, however the learning platform remains open for one additional week to allow students to complete final assessments, attend an optional final drop-in session, and download resources from the platform.

Who should attend?

This eight-week online course with optional weekly drop-in sessions integrates Behaviour Change and Implementation Science theories and methodologies. It is designed specifically for professionals developing and implementing interventions in health and social care settings.

Accelerate your learning (Microcredentials)

Eligible participants who complete the assessed version of this short course can receive 6 credit points towards the Master of Public Health. Valid for 7 years.

Learn more at: monash.edu/pubs/handbooks/courses/M6024.html

Important note: Completion of the assessed version of the short course does not guarantee admission into an award course. For further information regarding admission into the award courses, please contact: pgradenq@monash.edu.

Former students who have successfully completed assessment for this course can apply for prior credit here.

Course facilitators