Practical Application: Return On Investment Principles
Intended Audience
This training is appropriate for all public health workers in state, local, or tribal health agencies, hospitals, community health clinics, and community-based organizations seeking a basic understanding of return on investment concepts and how to apply them in a public health setting.
Training Descriptions
The demand for economic analysis of public health programs is growing as funding decisions become increasingly bottom-line oriented. A report released by Trust for America's Health in July 2008 finds that a small strategic investment in disease prevention could result in significant savings in U.S. health care costs. Now is the time to effectively communicate the cost benefit of public health programs.
This course will focus on how to use of various economic analysis tools in public health settings. Those taking the course will practice calculating Return on Investment (ROI), Cost Benefit Ratios, and Social ROI using examples from real public health programs. The advantages and disadvantages of such analytical tools will also be discussed.
Competencies Addressed
This course addresses the following competencies from the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice
Tier 1-2 Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals
Financial Planning and Management Skills
7A13. Describes how cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, and cost-utility analyses affect programmatic prioritization and decision making
7B14. Uses cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit, and cost-utility analyses in programmatic prioritization and decision making.
Objectives
At the end of this course, the learner will be able to- Define the terms used in Return on Investment Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Social Return on Investment
- Provide examples of the data elements needed to calculate Return on Investment, Cost-Benefit Analysis, and Social Return on Investment
- Identify the benefits of economic evaluation and implementation
- Describe the potential intended and unintended consequences of economic measurement and analysis
- Discuss how good project planning and monitoring can assist public health programs to make informed decisions on setting future social service and health services priorities
- Communicate progress to leadership and heighten community recognition concerning organizational accomplishments
Prerequisite Knowledge
None
Format
Training is offered in a discussion and exercise based format. Participants are encouraged to submit issues from their own work experience prior to the course so the instructors can tailor the course to the appropriate skill level and incorporate practice based exercises. Participants will also be encouraged to discuss their own experiences and ask questions of the instructors and other participants throughout the course.
Estimated Time to Complete
The training can be provided in a variety of formats to meet the needs and timeframe of the intended audience.
Course Instructors
Wendy Baesler, MACC, Clinical Assistant Professor, School of Public Health, University of Washington
Luann D’Ambrosio, M.Ed, Assistant Director, Northwest Center for Public Health Practice, University of Washington
Previous Offerings
November 2010, Washington State Department of Health, Olympia WA
Scheduling and Additional Information
For more information, please e-mail NWCPHP or call 206.685.1130.
