Course content

The course introduces sustainability thinking in the health service field, with environmental, economic and social sustainability as important themes. At the same time, these dimensions refer to health leadership in the form of comprehensive environmental leadership, long-term resource management and human growth and development leadership. An important focus of the course is sustainable development of human resources, with emphasis on occupational health and models for developing health-promoting workplaces, including diversity leadership. This is explored in a health service and public health perspective, which presupposes a reorientation of the health services in a health-promoting and preventive direction. Themes concerning environmental sustainability in a health leadership perspective are also included.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

The student

• has knowledge about the UN sustainability goals and the three dimensions of sustainable development
• has knowledge about sustainability in a health service and public health context
• has in-depth knowledge of occupational health as a leadership responsibility
• has knowledge of organizational conditions and leadership that contribute to sustainable work environments
• can explain relationships between occupational health, organizational health and public health
• has knowledge about the environmental footprint of the health care services.

Skills:

The student

• can critically analyze and use information sources and scientific literature about sustainability in a health service perspective
• is able to use knowledge and models regarding sustainable and health-promoting development in the health care services
• can analyse issues related to sustainable work environments and organizational factors that affect occupational health
• uses sustainable strategies in staff development and in own development as a leader

General competence:

• is conscious about applying knowledge of sustainable healthcare development in innovation processes
• is aware of existing and new occupational health challenges in the health services
• keeps up to date on research regarding sustainable health services
• reflects on the health leader's role related to sustainable activities and development in a climate- and environmental perspective

Learning methods and activities

Varied and student-active forms of learning, alternating between dialogue-based teaching and discussions, where reflections on students' experiences also can contribute to mutual learning. The course is organized with two sessions over two days during one semester in Ålesund. Compulsory activities: An approved individual assignment with peer response is a prerequisite for the exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Individual assignment with peer review

Specific conditions

Course materials

Will be announced when the course starts.