Expanding the capacity for behaviour insights involves a multifaceted approach aimed at strengthening our understanding and application of behavioral principles. This encompasses targeted initiatives to empower individuals and organizations with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to navigate and interpret intricate human behaviours. This strategic focus on enhancing capacity ensures a more robust foundation for leveraging behavior insights for informed decision-making and sustainable development.
**Group Photo during Building Capacity to Embed Behavioural Insights for Better Health Workshop, 3 to 5 October 2023**
CAPACITY BUILDING 2022-2024
Heading North: Strengthening Health Education Officers through Behavioral Insights Training
24th to 26th June 2024, Silver Room, Flamingo Hotel By The Beach, Penang
The Kedah State Health Department recently organized a capacity-building training session on behavioural insights for health from 24th to 26th June 2024. The training saw the participation of Health Education Officers from every district in Kedah, coming together to address pressing health issues, particularly the growing concern of dengue. Given the urgency of the dengue situation in Kedah, much of the discussion centered on potential behavioural insights projects aimed at dengue prevention. Participants were introduced to various concepts, including nudges and choice architecture, to better understand how subtle changes in the environment can influence positive health behaviours. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to the DDDIE Framework (Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement, Evaluate) for conducting behavioural insights projects, as recommended by the World Health Organization.
This comprehensive framework provided participants with a structured approach to designing and implementing effective health interventions. Additionally, the training covered the COM-B Model (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation - Behavior), which explains how behavior change can be encouraged. Participants learned how to assess and enhance individuals' capability, opportunity, and motivation to promote healthier behaviours effectively. Thank you Kedah for the awesome experience.
Driving Public Health Forward: Behavioural Insights for Health Education Officers in the City Centre.
19th to 20th June 2024, Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
After Negeri Sembilan training session was held in the city center of Kuala Lumpur on 19th to 20th June 2024. The training gathered Health Education Officers from several districts, giving them a valuable chance to improve their competency in understanding the complexity of human behavior and how to influence decision-making processes. Participants were introduced to a variety of heuristics and biases during the training sessions, emphasizing their critical role in understanding human behavior. This component was highlighted as essential for participants to understand, as it provides insights into cognitive shortcuts and unconscious influences on decision-making processes. Once again, thank you to the Jabatan Kesihatan Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya for your commitment.
Behavioral Insights for Better Health: Training Coordinators in Negeri Sembilan
11th to 12th June 2024, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sembilan for organizing a highly impactful Behavioural Insights Training on June 11-12, 2024, in Seremban. This training brought together 24 health promotion coordinators, including Health Education Officers, Environmental Health Officers, nurses, and Public Health Assistants, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to enhance their skills and knowledge.
The training module, based on the World Health Organization's framework, was thoughtfully adjusted to address public health issues specific to Malaysia. This customization ensured that the content was not only relevant but also highly practical for the participants.
We hope that the participants found the training enriching and that they are inspired to apply the behavioural insights they have gained to their local projects. The dedication to public health exhibited by all participants is commendable, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of their efforts in their respective communities.
Empowering Allied Health Professionals With Behavioural Sciences and Behavioural Insights
13th to 15th May 2024, Bandar Enstek Nilai, Negeri Sembilan
Human behaviour, which is influenced by psychological, social, cultural, and environmental determinants, significantly impacts individual health and well-being. Leveraging this understanding, behavioural insights are utilized to formulate policies and interventions aimed at fostering favourable behavioural patterns. The Center for Competency and Advanced Learning in Health Promotion, Institute for Health Behavioural Research organized a three-day workshop recently in Bandar Enstek Nilai, Negeri Sembilan, with the aim of enhancing the capacity in behavioural sciences and behavioural insights among allied health professionals within the Ministry of Health Malaysia. This workshop coincided with the 'Behavioural Sciences for Better Health Resolution’ adopted at the Seventy-Sixth World Health Assembly in May 2023. This resolution urges Member States to enhanced the capacity of healthcare practitioners in employing behavioural science methodologies in patient care and diverse public health initiatives. The workshop started with the introduction of the Health Behavioural Intervention Module, collaboratively developed in partnership with UNICEF Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris. In order to support the utilization of behavioural sciences, the workshop enriched participants' understanding of behavioural sciences and furnished them with proficiency in employing tools, methods, and approaches in public health. The workshop encompassed modules centered around fundamental behavioural science principles, case studies demonstrating the application of behavioural insights, and engaging interactive learning exercises. Participants were introduced to various topics, including the identification of different types of human behaviour, theories of behaviour change, and program planning for health promotion activities.
For the domain of behavioural insights, the workshop incorporated content developed by the World Health Organization which aligns with the module utilized during a preceding workshop conducted in Kuala Lumpur in 2023. We are pleased to have received an overwhelmingly positive response from the participants. For instance, one attendee mentioned that the training was highly engaging and interactive due to its inclusion of group discussions. They further expressed that it was enlightening to explore various aspects of behavioural insights during the session. This workshop signifies a notable advancement in healthcare, showcasing a commitment to proactive and well-informed health strategies. Through the integration of behavioural insights, healthcare practitioners are not only enhancing individual patient outcomes but also contributing to the overarching objective of fostering healthier and more resilient communities.
Building Capacity to Embed Behavioural Insights for Better Health
3 to 5 October 2023, Grand Millenium Hotel Kuala Lumpur
National Conference on Behavioural Insights 2023
Stream 3: Changing behaviour through nudge
Behaviour Insights Workshop among Health Education Officer from State Health Department
30 November - 2 December 2022, Dorsett Hotel in Putrajaya
Behaviour Insights Workshop among Health Education Officer from Hospital & Institution
21- 22 September 2022, National Institutes of Health (NIH)
