Summary

The Noncommunicable Diseases Capacity Assessment and Planning (N-CAP) Process is a tool that can be used by ministries of health and other key government and nongovernmental stakeholders to assess, prioritize, and plan how to improve the national capacity to address NCDS and improve population health. It includes three distinct activities: (1) Stakeholder Mapping completed by facilitators to identify key NCD technical and policy stakeholders; (2) Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) Workshop led by facilitators to understand the current NCD landscape in the country; and (3) N-CAP Workshop led by facilitators to assess, prioritize, and plan how to improve the country’s capacity in the identified critical NCD area(s).

Course Description and Objectives

This course educates public health organizations, including regional public health networks and national public health institutes, about the N-CAP Process to promote the tool and trains facilitators and recorders on the activities, procedures, and best practices on how to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and conduct the N-CAP Process in their country.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

  • Explain the activities in the N-CAP Process.
  • Implement best practices for facilitation and recording in the N-CAP Process.
  • Conduct a Stakeholder Mapping,
  • Conduct a SWOT Workshop.
  • Conduct an N-CAP Workshop.

Language

English

Target Audience

There are numerous materials that are used throughout the N-CAP Process. These materials are summarized below:

  • Module 1: Introduction and Preparation is intended for use by public health organizations and identified facilitators and recorders to gain a general overview of the N-CAP Process and the initial Preparation steps.

  • Modules 2-6: These modules are required training designed specifically for the facilitators and recorders who will lead the N-CAP Process activities.

Course Modules

This self-guided e-learning course includes six interactive modules (with time-to-complete estimates in parenthesis). 

  • Learners can complete the modules at their own pace.
  • The modules do not need to be completed in one sitting. However, they should be completed in sequential order.
  • For an optimal experience, it is best to view these modules on a computer (desktop or laptop). However, if you plan to view these modules using a tablet or phone, you may find it best to turn your device horizontally at times.

For more information about the N-CAP Process and materials, visit the Noncommunicable Diseases Capacity Assessment and Planning Process page.

Noncommunicable Diseases Capacity Assessment and Planning (N-CAP) Process

N-CAP Process Facilitator and Recorder e-learning Modules

Module 1: Introduction and Preparation (40-50 minutes)

This module provides a general overview of the N-CAP Process, including activities, roles, and responsibilities. It also describes the specific Preparation steps that take place when ministries of health are deciding to use the N-CAP Process in their countries.

Module 2: Facilitating the N-CAP Process (50-60 minutes) 

This module covers how to lead the N-CAP Process, including necessary materials, logistics, and best practices for facilitating and recording.  

Module 3: Stakeholder Mapping (40-50 minutes)

This module details the first activity of the N-CAP Process: Stakeholder Mapping. It describes general stakeholder mapping procedures and then how they are applied within the N-CAP Process.

Module 4: SWOT Workshop (40-50 minutes)

This module details the second activity of the N-CAP Process: the SWOT Workshop. It provides an overview of a SWOT analysis and then how the SWOT Workshop is led within the N-CAP Process.

Module 5: N-CAP Workshop (75-90 minutes) 

This module details the third activity of the N-CAP Process: the N-CAP Workshop. It describes how to conduct the N-CAP Workshop and the N-CAP Process Follow-Up that takes place after all N-CAP Process activities have concluded.  

Module 6: Simulation of the N-CAP Process (50-60 minutes)

This final module asks learners to apply what has been learned from the previous modules and explore a simulation of the N-CAP Process, beginning with Stakeholder Mapping and ending with the N-CAP Process Follow-Up. This module presents real-life situations and challenges.

Downloadable Version

This course is also accessible offline. For the offline version, please download the zip file.

In order to open the zip file and run the course:

  • Step One: Download the zip file
  • Step Two: Once it is downloaded, right-click the zip file to extract all
  • Step Three: Open the extracted folder
  • Step Four: Start each module by clicking the files named "Launch Module" for each

Acknowledgements

The N-CAP Process Facilitator and Recorder Training e-learning course was developed by Wisewire, Inc. in collaboration with the Training Programs in Epidemiology and Public Health Interventions Network (TEPHINET), the U.S. CDC, GHD|EMPHNET, and IANPHI. Contributing individuals include: Meredith Kruse (Alexton Inc.) and Sophie Lobanov-Rostovsky of the U.S. CDC, Randa Saad and Ruba Al-Souri of GHD|EMPHNET, Sue Binder of IANPHI, and Claire Jennings of TEPHINET. Development of this e-learning course was supported by TEPHINET, a program of the Task Force for Global Health, Inc., via Cooperative Agreement number NU2HGH000044, GHD|EMPHNET, via Cooperative Agreement number NU2HGH000039, and IANPHI, via Cooperative Agreement number 9NU14GH001238, all funded by the U.S. CDC. 

We would like to thank IANPHI, GHD|EMPHNET Headquarters, and their facilitators for contributing the videos and pictures used throughout this course, which provide real-life context for the concepts taught.

The views presented in the N-CAP Process materials and e-learning course do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. CDC, GHD|EMPHNET, IANPHI, the Task Force for Global Health, Inc., or TEPHINET. Articles, journals, and databases are for instructive or identification purposes only and do not imply endorsement.