Territorial approach to health [SGIRM321]

Learning outcomes

At the end of this module, the learner will be able to :

A. Know - Understand - Apply

1. explain the basic principles of spatial epidemiology
2. explain the issues involved in collecting spatial data (quality, sampling, representativeness, anonymisation)
3. use the vocabulary of geographic information systems (GIS) in an appropriate way
4. present an overview of the possibilities offered by a GIS in the field of health
5. produce a simple spatial representation of a health event using GIS tools.

B. Analyse - Synthesise - Evaluate

1. critically analyse urban and rural landscapes with a view to managing health risks
2. assess the usefulness of cartographic data and tools in relation to a health issue
3. take a critical look at the design of a map, particularly in the choice of indicators represented and mapping techniques
4. formulate hypotheses about the factors that explain spatial variation in a health issue
5. assess the health impact of a policy or socio-economic context on an area and its population
6. defend the need for cross-sectoral thinking when proposing sustainable spatial planning  
7. co-construct a shared representation of the health issues involved in land planning by using a collective diagram of the area in question

Content

The module covers the following points:
 
1. The geographical approach
An introductory day will discuss recent developments in spatial epidemiology and health geography and the contribution of these disciplines to health risk management. We will discuss the geographical approach and process through the notions of geographical space, socio-spatial disparities, place effects and socio-spatial constructions of health.
 
2. Spatial data in health
A discussion of spatial data sources and the collection and management of geolocalised health data will be held, and a 'mapathon' (humanitarian mapping) will be organised to introduce students to crowdsourcing data and its usefulness in crisis situations.
 
3. Cartography
This section will present the basics of thematic cartography. As readers and users of a map, students will learn to take a critical look at its design (choice of phenomena represented, choice of visual variables, layout, etc.). As creators, they will learn to choose appropriate cartographic techniques (choice of phenomena represented, visual variables and symbology codes).

4. Geographic Information Systems
This section will present Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and an overview of the possibilities offered by GIS in terms of acquiring, storing and analysing spatial data, in particular through numerous examples of healthcare projects.
 
5. Urban health
The growing and rapid urbanisation observed in most parts of the world is profoundly changing the relationships that humans have with their environment and with the animal world. This section will take a closer look at urban health, its specific features and how it is changing.
 
6. Territorial governance
This module will address the territorial issues of public health policies through a case study (Senegal) and a co-construction game. On the basis of the information provided, the learners will be asked to discuss the development of a particular territory with the aim of promoting the health of its inhabitants. This activity will then support discussions on territorial governance and its necessarily intersectoral dimension.