MSc course is prescription for health data improvement

Obinna Anyanwu’s interest in public health and data was triggered while working for an NGO – he chose Strathclyde's MSc Health Analysis Policy and Management to take this interest forward.

My interest in the area of health analysis policy started when I did my first degree (BSc) in Physics and, during this time, I had the opportunity to work ad hoc as a data entrant for an NGO providing care and support services for people living with HIV and tuberculosis - it was this experience that transformed my perspective.

As part of the data entry team, I engaged with patient data, recording, and analysis, which revealed the transformative power of data in the healthcare sector. The insights we derived from the data not only improved care and support but also facilitated increased funding to benefit the beneficiaries.

This experience ignited a passion for monitoring, evaluation, and data analysis within me. I realised the immense potential of data in driving positive change and better outcomes in healthcare. This new-found passion led me to embark on a journey of self-improvement, where I pursued courses in monitoring and evaluation and improved my skills in data analytics tools like Excel and data collection tools like mWater and SurveyMonkey. My career then took me from being a Data Entrant to a Monitoring & Evaluation Assistant, M&E Officer, and finally a Programme Manager in health development programmes.

Having recognised the impact that data and analysis could have in health development, I began exploring graduate programmes that could equip me with the knowledge and skills to make a more significant contribution. It was during this search that I discovered the Health Analysis Policy and Management (HAPM) course at the University of Strathclyde Business School.

Upon reviewing the course modules, I found that it covered all that I aspired to learn and achieve, and even more. It offered a holistic approach to health economics, healthcare analysis and decision-making, policy formulation, and effective management in the health sector. The course promised to enrich my understanding of health systems, data analytics, and public health policies, all of which are indispensable in today's complex healthcare system, and immediately I knew it was what I wanted to study, and I went for it.

My decision to opt for the HAPM course is rooted in my aspiration to be at the forefront of healthcare transformation. I am committed to leveraging my diverse background in physics, data analysis, and health development to drive innovative solutions, promote data-informed policies, and ultimately enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. I believe that HAPM was the ideal course for me to amplify the impact I can make in healthcare, as it aligns perfectly with my passion, experiences, and career goals.

Reflecting on my experience with the Health Analysis Policy and Management (HAPM) course, I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations in multiple ways. The course was a well-structured and engaging journey that offered a holistic perspective on healthcare management, policy, and data analysis. The strength of any academic programme lies in its faculty, and HAPM didn't disappoint. I was fortunate to be guided by brilliant tutors and professors who brought a wealth of industry experience to the classroom. Their real-world insights made the theoretical part of the course rich, making it not only intellectually engaging but also highly applicable to the challenges faced in the healthcare sector.

The HAPM course didn't just focus on theory; it placed a strong emphasis on practical problem-solving. It not only deepened my understanding of healthcare data analysis, management, and policy but I also acquired new problem-solving techniques which proved to be invaluable in addressing complex issues in real-world healthcare scenarios. The course introduced me to a diverse range of tools and analytics that were new to me. Learning to navigate and utilise these tools effectively was a significant highlight of the programme. This newfound knowledge has equipped me to handle data-driven decision-making with confidence, a crucial skill in the healthcare field.

The incorporation of real-life case studies from various organisations was a brilliant educational approach. These case studies offered a unique opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills we were acquiring in the classroom to actual healthcare challenges. It not only made the learning process engaging but also highlighted the course's practical relevance.

One of the highlights of the course was the opportunity to work with Public Health Scotland on my final project, which really helped me get absorbed in the role of a data analyst. This experience was invaluable, as it provided me with a real-world perspective on the intricacies and challenges of data analysis. It also showcased the practical relevance of the knowledge and skills I gained during the programme and equipped me with the expertise and practical insights needed to thrive in the field of health analysis, policy, and management, and I'm excited to apply this knowledge to make a meaningful contribution in a professional setting.

The HAPM course delivered an exceptional educational experience. It was intellectually engaging, practically enriching, and highly relevant to the dynamic and evolving healthcare system. It not only met my expectations but also broadened my horizons, equipping me with the knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in the field of health analysis, policy, and management.

In terms of my career, I want to be able to apply my knowledge and expertise and most importantly develop my set skills and grow my career especially in strategy, policy and planning of health and healthcare system using data, with the aim of contributing directly or indirectly to improving the general health and well-being of everyone in the environment I find myself and in the world at large.

The course not only met but exceeded my expectations in several respects. It offered a comprehensive curriculum that, in addition to my core areas of interest, incorporated valuable insights into quantitative business analysis, and performance measurement and management. These extra modules broadened my horizons and enriched my understanding of the complex relationship between healthcare management and policy, which is necessary in the modern healthcare system.

One of the most valuable resources in any educational journey is the people around you. I would encourage everyone to take full advantage of the approachable and supportive staff. If they don't have the answers, they will direct you to the right resources. I felt really comfortable and confident in a short time of starting this course because I realised how very willing the staff were ready to help, and they never made anyone feel less. With the right mindset and a commitment to learning, you'll find this course to be an enriching and rewarding experience.

About Obinna Anyanwu

Obinna Anyanwu did the MSc in Health Analysis Policy and Management at Strathclyde Business School 2022-23.