Futures Thinking and Strategic Foresight for Public Health

About:

The purpose of this course is to introduce futures thinking and strategic foresight methodologies tailored specifically for public health professionals, policymakers, and executives. The primary goal is to equip participants with the necessary skills and tools to anticipate, prepare for, and effectively respond to societal public health shocks, such as pandemics, emerging infectious diseases, environmental crises, and other unforeseen challenges.

This course is designed for public health professionals, policymakers, executives, and other stakeholders involved in public health planning, preparedness, and response efforts. It is suitable for individuals at all levels of experience, from those new to futures thinking to seasoned practitioners seeking to enhance their foresight skills.

In an era of increasing complexity and uncertainty, futures thinking and strategic foresight are indispensable tools for building resilient public health systems. By equipping participants with the knowledge, skills, and methodologies needed to anticipate and respond to future challenges, this course aims to empower public health leaders to safeguard the well-being of communities and populations around the world.

Course Objectives:

1. Introduce participants to the concepts of futures thinking and strategic foresight in the context of public health.

2. Provide an overview of the importance of proactive planning and preparedness in mitigating the impact of public health crises.

3. Explore various tools, techniques, and methodologies for scanning, forecasting, and scenario planning.

4. Develop participants' ability to identify emerging trends, drivers of change, and potential future scenarios relevant to public health.

5. Facilitate the design, development, and deployment of intervention strategies based on foresight insights.

6. Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among public health professionals to enhance collective preparedness efforts.

Acquired Skills:

Analysis, Environmental Scanning, Scenario Planning, Crisis Management, Strategy, Innovation

Format:

The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures, interactive workshops, case studies, and group discussions. Participants will have access to online resources, including reading materials, tools, and simulation exercises. Experienced facilitators with expertise in public health, strategic foresight, and crisis management will guide participants through the learning process.

What You’ll earn:

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to claim Certified Public Health Credit from the National Board of Public Health Examiners.  In addition, you’ll be able to download a Credly Digital Badge. We recommend you download this badge and share it on your social media and showcase your new skillset and provide employers with a reliable way to assess your capabilities.  These badges serve as a visual representation of your accomplishments and can be shared on social media, personal websites, or professional networking sites. Badges are distributed through Canvas Credentials. For more information on digital badges, visit USF Innovative Education. Instructions to claim CPH Credit and a Digital Badge can be found in the End-of-Course Module.