Title:	Analysing Disrupted Health Systems (ADHS)
Keywords:	Management International/Global Health Health systems Fragile environment Conflict affected setting
Country:	Netherlands
Institution:	The Netherlands - KIT Institute, Amsterdam
Course coordinator:	Olivier Onvlee
Date start:	2026-11-16
Date end:	2026-11-27
About duration and dates:	Duration is 2 weeks. Application deadline is 2 months before the start date of the course. If space is available and no visa is required, students can apply until 4 weeks prior to the first course day.
Classification:	advanced optional
Mode of delivery:	Face to face
Course location: KIT Institute PO Box 95001, 1090 HA Amsterdam The Netherlands Tel: +31-20-5688256 Website: www.kit.nl
ECTS credit points:	3 ECTS credits
SIT: SIT: Total 82h Contact hours: 48 hours plenary sessions; 6 hours group work; 6 hours group presentation Self-study: 22 hours (including pre-session preparation/readings before and during the course).
Language:	English
Description: At the end of the course, participants will be able to: 1. Analyse health systems in fragile, conflict-affected and recovery contexts using health systems frameworks and available evidence. 2. Assess the effects of crises on health system functions, including governance, financing, service delivery, human resources, pharmaceutical supply systems, and health information systems. 3. Critically appraise the quality and limitations of data and information used for decision-making in disrupted health systems. 4. Examine the roles, responsibilities and agendas of key stakeholders and the dynamics of the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus in health sector responses. 5. Develop evidence-informed strategies for health system planning, management and recovery in disrupted settings.
Assessment Procedures: The assessment consists of two components; for both, passmark is 6.0/10.0: • Country case study presentation (30%, group assignment, graded) Working in groups of approximately 4-6 students, participants conduct a health systems analysis of a country affected by crisis, conflict, or fragility. Using evidence from a desk review and course concepts, participants analyse key health system challenges, stakeholder dynamics, recovery strategies, effects on health systems and critical appraisal of data/data limitations. Based on their analysis, groups develop evidence-informed strategies for health system planning, management and recovery in the disrupted setting. Groups receive guidance from course facilitators during the group work process. Where feasible, groups are also connected with an expert currently working in, or with substantial experience of, the assigned country context through an interview or consultation during the second week of the course. This expert consultation is intended to strengthen the practical relevance of the analysis and expose participants to current field realities. Findings are presented by each group to peers and facilitators in a 15-minute presentation followed by 10 minutes of questions and discussion. The presentation is assessed using a predefined rubric. All group members receive the same group grade, provided that they have actively participated in the group work and presentation preparation. Individual participation is monitored facilitator observation during group work and presentation preparation. If serious concerns arise about an individual student’s contribution, these will be discussed with the student and may require an additional individual follow-up task. • Individual open-book examination (70% individual assignment, graded) Participants complete a three-hour online open -book examination on site, under supervised in-class conditions, at the end of the course. The examination consists of essay-type and multiple choices questions. Responses are assessed against predefined marking criteria and model answers . The examination assesses participants’ ability to analyse disrupted health systems, assess the effects of crises on health system functions, critically appraise data and information used for decision-making, examine stakeholder roles and Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus dynamics, and develop evidence-informed strategies for health system planning, management and recovery. KIT guidelines on AI use and Academic Integrity apply to all assessments. Written feedback is provided within three weeks of assessment. Students who do not achieve a passing grade in the examination are offered one re-sit opportunity within one month of results release=. Students who do not achieve a passing grade of minimum 6.0 in the examinations are offered one re-sit opportunity within one month of course completion. The re-sit consists of a new individual open-book examination. Group assignment does not offer resits (if needed, it can be replaced by an openbook exam resit).
Content: Protracted crises, armed conflicts, and other forms of fragility place significant pressure on health systems and affect their governance, financing, service delivery, workforce, information systems, and access to essential medicines. Decision-making in these contexts is often constrained by limited and unreliable information, rapidly changing circumstances, and the involvement of multiple national and international actors. This course explores how health systems function, adapt, and recover in disrupted settings. Drawing on experiences from countries affected by conflict and crisis, participants develop the skills required to analyse health system challenges and identify strategies to support health system recovery and resilience. Topics covered ● Concepts and frameworks for analysing disrupted health systems ● Health systems in fragile, conflict-affected, and crisis settings ● Humanitarian action, health governance, and the politics of aid ● Health information and evidence for decision-making in disrupted contexts ● Health system functions in crisis settings (governance and accountability, financing, health workforce, service delivery, pharmaceutical systems) ● Health policies and strategic planning, including Universal Health Coverage and Essential Packages of Health Services ● Health sector recovery and resilience ● The Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus
Methods: The course uses a combination of lectures, facilitated discussions, case-based learning, group work, role-play exercises, and guided self-study. Learning activities encourage participants to apply theoretical concepts to real-world health system challenges in disrupted settings. Contact learning (48 hours) ● Interactive lectures introducing key concepts, frameworks and case examples ● Facilitated discussions drawing on participants' professional experience ● Practical exercises and role play focused on decision-making in crisis contexts ● Small-group activities applying analytical frameworks to disrupted health systems Country case study (6 hours group work + 6 hours presentatio n) ● Participants work in groups to conduct a health systems analysis of a selected country affected by crisis, conflict or fragility. ● Findings are presented to peers and facilitators, followed by structured discussion and feedback linking empirical findings to course concepts and frameworks. Self-study (22 hours) ● Pre-session preparation ● Required readings ● Preparation for the examination
Prerequisites: - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent academic training in either medicine or another field related to health care, such as health sciences, health economics, social sciences, or nursing - A minimum of three years of health-related work experience in health systems, not limited to (organisation of) individual patient care - English proficiency at the level of TOEFL 5.5 or IELTS 6.5 (certificate is not required) - Computer and internet literacy; the participant should be able to use computer access to Wi-Fi networks and working level understanding of Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Adobe (PDF). Students will be introduced to the e-learning platform Virtual Grounds.
Attendance: Minimum number of students: 10 Maximum number of students: 30 Maximum number of TropEd students: 5
Selection: If prerequisites are met, the selection will be on the “First come, first served” basis.
Fees: Fees for 2026 Regular course fee: €1.980,- tropEd fee: €1.782,- Early bird fee: €1.584,- (paid before: 16-08-2026)
Scholarships: There are no current specific scholarships for this course; for latest updates see; https://www.kit.nl/institute/study/scholarship-information/
Major changes since initial accreditation: The module has strengthened its focus on the Humanitarian–Development–Peace Nexus (HDPN), which is now used as a cross-cutting theme throughout the course. This reflects the increasing recognition that many disrupted health systems operate in contexts characterised by protracted instability, conflict, and overlapping humanitarian and development challenges. The HDPN framework provides participants with a more nuanced understanding of coordination, governance, and health system recovery processes than linear transition models from conflict to peace. The country case study assignment has been revised accordingly. Participants are now required to identify and analyse a key HDPN-related challenge or opportunity within their selected country context. In addition, efforts are made to connect each student group with an expert currently working in the assigned country through an interview or consultation during the second week of the course. This aims to strengthen the practical relevance of the analysis and expose participants to current field realities. To strengthen analytical skills, additional emphasis has been placed on methodological approaches to health systems analysis. A dedicated session on qualitative research methods in disrupted settings has been introduced. The module content has also been updated to reflect emerging challenges affecting health systems. New sessions have been added on Health Security for Health Systems (WHO), localisation, and contemporary case studies of health systems under stress, including guest lectures on current crises such as the impact of the war in Ukraine on the health system.
Student evaluation: Participants complete evaluations at the end of each session and a final module evaluation at the end of the course. Feedback has remained consistently positive across recent course editions. Key strengths identified by participants include: ● The interactive teaching methods, particularly facilitated discussions, role plays, and case-based learning activities. ● The diversity of participant backgrounds and professional experiences, which enriches peer learning and classroom discussions. ● The opportunity to engage with facilitators and guest speakers who have direct experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and crisis settings. ● The strong connection between course content and real-world practice, with participants frequently highlighting the practical relevance of the examples and case studies presented. ● The contribution of the module to broadening participants’ perspectives on health systems analysis and strengthening their ability to analyse complex challenges in disrupted settings. Participants particularly value the balance between conceptual frameworks and practical application throughout the course.
Lessons learned: 25. Lessons learned: A recurring observation is the diversity of professional experience among participants. While many participants have extensive field experience in humanitarian or health systems settings, some tropEd students enter the module with more limited practical experience. This creates both challenges and opportunities for learning. To address differences in prior experience, facilitators intentionally use a combination of teaching approaches, including small-group work, peer learning, and structured reflection exercises. Participants with substantial field experience are encouraged to share examples from their professional practice, while less experienced participants are supported in applying theoretical frameworks to unfamiliar contexts. Course evaluations suggest that this diversity contributes positively to the learning environment, as participants benefit from exposure to a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Facilitators will continue to explore ways to support participants with different backgrounds while maintaining the advanced level of the module.
tropEd accreditation: Accredited in May 2012. Re-accredited in December 2016. This accreditation is valid until December 2021; re-accredited EC Telco Nov 22, 2021. Re accredited in Antwerp, June 2026. Valid until June 2031.
Remarks:
Email Address:	courses@kit.nl
Date Of Record Creation:	2012-06-26 14:28:15 (W3C-DTF)
Date Of Record Release:	2017-10-09 18:34:33 (W3C-DTF)
Date Record Checked:	2021-11-25 (W3C-DTF)
Date Last Modified:	2026-10-14 08:24:51 (W3C-DTF)