Healthcare is being transformed by digital technology—and so is the way we evaluate the interventions designed to improve it. The Evaluation of Healthcare Interventions and Learning Health Systems module offers an in-depth exploration of how routinely collected data, emerging technologies, and innovative study designs can enhance the evaluation of real-world healthcare solutions. This 12-week module will provide you with the practical skills and critical understanding needed to assess a wide range of healthcare interventions—from behaviour change apps to point-of-care treatments—through cutting-edge, data-enabled methods.
You will engage with topics such as pragmatic trials, registry-based studies and sustainability of healthcare evaluation, learning how to plan, design, and critique evaluations with both scientific rigour and patient relevance. You will also explore the emerging concept of the Learning Health System, where data and evidence feed continuously into healthcare improvement.
Teaching is delivered through a blend of lectures, computer-based practicals, expert guest lectures and seminars, and discussion groups. You will learn to apply key methodologies including statistical analysis plans (SAPs), outcome measurement design, and causal inference techniques using real datasets and real-world challenges.
This module is designed to reflect real-world practice, so the assessments are hands-on and directly relevant to careers in health research and evaluation. In assessment 1 (50%) you will explore how to evaluate a clinical question using different study designs, comparing two approaches, explaining their strengths and weaknesses, and recommending the best option. You will present your findings as if writing for a methods journal, including a short plain-language summary. Another key feature is a 3-week collaborative project where you will take on roles such as data scientist, patient advocate, or policy lead, to design and evaluate a health informatics solution. In assessment 2 (50%), you will then produce an individually written report reflecting your contribution and critical thinking.
By the end of the module, you will be confident in evaluating approaches to data-driven healthcare interventions and communicating complex insights to diverse audiences. This is an ideal option if you are looking to develop relevant skills to address real-world healthcare challenges and make a measurable difference. Whether you are aiming for a role in clinical trials, health technology assessment, or digital health innovation, this module offers the tools and insight to contribute meaningfully to the future of evidence-based healthcare.