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

 

Harnessing The Capacity for Behavioural Insights in Sarawak

30^th to 31^th July 2024, Kuching Community Social Support Centre, Wisma Ho Ho Lim, Kuching Sarawak

The Sarawak State Health Department recently organized a capacity-building training session on behavioural insights for health from 30th to 31st July 2024. Health Education Officers from every division in Sarawak participated in this training which was held at Kuching Community Social Support Centre. Throughout the two-day session, participants engaged in discussions and workshops aimed at applying behavioural insights to real-world health problems. The urgency of the  rabies situation in Sarawak was a central theme, with many discussions focused on developing projects to prevent the spread of this disease.

Participants were introduced to key concepts such as nudges and choice architecture, which illustrate how small environmental changes can significantly influence positive health behaviours. These concepts are essential for developing effective health interventions that resonate with the public.

We were honored to have Dr. Veronica Lugah, the Sarawak State Health Director, officiate the closing ceremony and present the certificates. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of understanding human behavior before designing interventions. She also expressed her hope that the officers who attended the training would produce more behavioural insights projects. Additionally, Dr. Manimaran Krishnan the Director of the Institute for Health Behavioural Research, was in attendance. We hope this training will equip health education officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively apply behavioural insights in their work.

 

 

Behavioural Insights Training In Kelantan

23^th to 24^th July 2024, Kompleks Belia & Sukan Kelantan, Panji, Kota Bharu, Kelantan

Our ongoing effort to build capacity in behavioural insights for health has extended to Kelantan, in collaboration with the State Health Department. Participants included a diverse group of health professionals such as health education officers, medical officers, dental officers, assistant environmental health officers, and nurses. The diverse group of participants enables us to explore a broader range of health issues and allows us to address these issues more effectively and develop tailored interventions that meet the specific needs of the Kelantan community. This comprehensive training took place from 23^rd  to 24^th July 2024, and aimed to equip these professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to apply behavioural insights in their respective fields. We strive to improve health outcomes and develop more effective health communication strategies across the state by deepening their understanding of behavioural science.

Leveraging The Knowledge In Behavioural Insights

16^th to 18^th July 2024, Darul Iman Training Centre, Kemaman, Terengganu

 We believe that the knowledge of behavioural science should be leveraged across a broader range of professions within the Ministry of Health. Expanding the application of behavioural insights beyond traditional health education roles will enable various healthcare professionals, such as the paramedics enhances their practices and can develop more effective strategies to improve patient health outcomes.

 

As part of this effort, we organized a three-day training session on behavioural insights, attended by more than 25 nurses and assistant medical officers from across Malaysia. This event was held in Kemaman, Terengganu, and aimed to equip these healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to apply behavioural science in their practices. To support and advance the application of behavioural sciences, the training enhanced participants' knowledge and equipped them with the skills needed to apply various tools, methods, and approaches. By participating in this training, attendees gained valuable insights into how behavioural science can enhance patient care, improve health outcomes, and promote more effective health communication strategies within their respective communities.

 

Enhancing Health Communication Through Behavioural Insights In Malaria Prevention

26^th to 28^th June 2024, Penampang, Sabah

As part of our effort to build capacity in behavioural insights, we are pleased to collaborate with the Sabah State Health Department to develop targeted messages on malaria prevention. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of public health communications by addressing specific behavioural patterns observed in various communities.

 The messages were crafted based on findings from a recent study conducted by the Institute for Health Behavioural Research in 12 localities across Sabah, including Lahad Datu, Kudat, Keningau, Ranau, and Kota Marudu. The study highlighted unique behavioural issues in each locality, such as not wearing long-sleeve shirts when venturing into the neglecting to use mosquito repellent, and failing to sleep under mosquito nets. Understanding these behaviours is crucial for designing effective interventions tailored to each community's needs.

To address these issues, we employed several strategic approaches in message development. These included anchoring messages to provide a reference point for desired behaviours, using both positive and negative framing to highlight the benefits of protective actions and the consequences of neglect, employing loss aversion techniques to emphasize what individuals stand to lose by not taking preventive measures, and using priming to influence behaviour subtly by associating malaria prevention with familiar and positive concepts.

The training held in Penampang from June 26 to 28, 2024, brought together approximately 28 participants from various health divisions across Sabah. This comprehensive training program aimed to equip these health professionals with the knowledge and skills to implement the newly developed messages effectively.

 

Heading North: Strengthening Health Education Officers through Behavioral Insights Training

24^th to 26^th 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 24^th to 26^th 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.

19^th to 20^th 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 19^th to 20^th 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

11^th to 12^th 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

13^th to 15^th 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)