PP6000 - Health Care Interventions, Policy and Practice

What will I learn on this module?

In this module you will examine how health care interventions are developed in health and social care systems, how they are evaluated and the impacts they have on populations and service users. Health researchers continually design and test new services and interventions to improve the health of populations. However, significant challenges arise in how they are developed and implemented in health and social care systems. Researchers are only beginning to understand the key barriers to implementing them in current healthcare routines. The implementation of new innovations in health has considerable significance for health and social care and how services can be improved. Often major barriers prevent their successful adoption, and this module will explore the complexity surrounding this major challenge to service improvement. You will examine critically the different ways to evaluate interventions and how to judge success or effectiveness, You will also critically explore the professional, organizational and system challenges or barriers to implementation, and how some possible solutions have succeeded or failed. For instance, you will be introduced to co-production theory and whether this is a viable pathway to effective implementation of innovations and new services in health and social care.

How will I learn on this module?

Teaching and learning strategies for this module will include lectures to outline the main concepts, trends and theories. Facilitated group discussions will be integral to the module where you will explore key concepts in more depth to draw out individual and collective analysis. You will be expected to engage with directed independent study tasks, as well as working in informal groups to present your ideas. Online forums and discussion groups will also be introduced to enhance your learning.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Lecturers will facilitate seminar groups to support academic development. You will have access to lecturers at specifically designated times via online forums; email; group tutorials and one to one meetings. Formative and summative assessment tasks include ‘feedforward’ in preparation for assignments, and ‘feedback’ to identify aspects of students’ strengths and also aspects which require development. Contact details for all tutors for this module are available in the module handbook and via the Electronic Learning Portal (eLP).

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:

1. Debate the complex processes underpinning the design and delivery of health and social care interventions, with specific emphasis on how at their design, context and illness/disease group affects success/effectiveness.

2. Reflect upon the barriers to effective intervention implementation in health and social care systems, to appreciate the challenges and opportunities that exist.

3. Develop an understanding of the individual, contextual and system level barriers/enablers to effective adoption and implementation, and the concept of ‘co-production’.


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
4. Develop transferable research skills by continuing to read and analyse the contribution of published research and policy on health and social care interventions.
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Reflect upon the policy, ethical and cultural/gender influences affecting health and social care interventions.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment

An individual or group led presentation on a health or social care intervention, critically analysing its actual or potential success/effectiveness and the challenges of implementing it in current services or systems.

Summative Assessment

A critical essay on a title from a choice of three options. (4000 words). (MLOs 01, 02, 03, 04,
05)

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

In this module you will examine how health care interventions are developed in health and social care systems, how they are evaluated and the impacts they have on populations and service users. Health researchers continually design and test new services and interventions to improve the health of populations. However, significant challenges arise in how they are developed and implemented in health and social care systems. Researchers are only beginning to understand the key barriers to implementing them in current healthcare routines. The implementation of new innovations in health has considerable significance for health and social care and how services can be improved. Often major barriers prevent their successful adoption, and this module will explore the complexity surrounding this major challenge to service improvement. You will examine critically the different ways to evaluate interventions and how to judge success or effectiveness, You will also critically explore the professional, organizational and system challenges or barriers to implementation, and how some possible solutions have succeeded or failed. For instance, you will be introduced to co-production theory and whether this is a viable pathway to effective implementation of innovations and new services in health and social care.

Course info

UCAS Code L5L6

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Social Work, Education and Community Wellbeing

Location Coach Lane Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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