Empowering Health Professionals with Behavioural Insights: A Scenario-based Workshop to Develop Behavioural Insights Projects for Health

In November 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office for Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, in collaboration with the Behavioural Insights Unit at the Malaysia Ministry of Health (MOH), conducted an impactful workshop aimed at building capacity to develop behavioural insights projects for better health outcomes. This three-day event, held in Kuala Lumpur, brought together 31 health professionals from across federal, state and district levels of the MOH, including health education officers, medical officers and allied health professionals.

Interactive Scenario-based Training

The workshop adopted a scenario-based training model, utilizing WHO’s 5 Steps for the Application of Behavioural Science (DDDIE: Define, Diagnose, Design, Implement, and Evaluate). Participants engaged in interactive sessions that applied these stages to real-world public health challenges, specifically focused on a scenario to encourage healthy eating within a food environment. The workshop highlighted the critical role of food environments in shaping eating behaviours and explored behaviourally-informed strategies to encourage healthier food choices.

^{Participants received an introduction to WHO’s 5 steps for the application of behavioural science, setting the stage for the interactive sessions that followed} 

The interactive sessions included modules on behavioural insights in public health, food environments and choice architecture, culminating in a coaching session to develop actionable behavioural insights projects. This approach not only enhanced participants’ understanding but also empowered them with practical skills to implement behavioural insights in their work.

^{Participants engaged in discussions to apply behavioural insights to real-world public health challenges} 

Dr Jamaliah binti Omar, a participant from the MOH Oral Health Programme remarked, “I learned a lot, and the trainers’ professionalism and clarity made complex concepts easy to understand. The use of scenario-based exercises was particularly effective, as it allowed us to apply what we learned in a practical and engaging way.” Mr Mohd Faizal bin Rosli, a participating Health Education Officer from Perlis State Health Department, added, “I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate in this scenario-based training, which enhanced my understanding of implementing behaviourally informed strategies. The use of public health case studies helped clarify concepts by connecting them to real-life situations.”

Building Capacity and Confidence

The workshop was part of a broader effort by WHO and MOH to strengthen the capacity of health professionals in behavioural sciences. Behavioural science experts from WHO Malaysia Country Office and WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific developed and co-delivered the training with MOH’s Behavioural Insights Unit, ensuring it was tailored to the local context and needs of Malaysia. This collaboration was instrumental in making the training relevant and impactful.

In her opening remarks at the workshop, Datuk Dr Nor Fariza binti Ngah, MOH Deputy Director General (Research & Technical Support) said, “I hope this workshop refreshes and enhances your understanding, skills, and confidence in applying behavioural science tools and methods in public health. More importantly, it aims to empower you to advocate for integrating behavioural science into your work.”

Since 2021, WHO has supported MOH in delivering training sessions, providing technical guidance and conducting joint projects. The recent workshop built on this foundation, enhancing participants' knowledge and confidence in applying behavioural science tools and methods. It also facilitated the development of several behavioural insights projects, spanning health promotion, disease control and health systems strengthening.

^{During opening remarks, Datuk Dr. Nor Fariza binti Ngah and Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe highlighted the importance of integrating behavioural science into public health and the need for collective action to promote healthier lifestyles}

Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe, WHO Representative to Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Singapore, emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “We are witnessing a fundamental shift in public health, where everyone must take action to promote healthier lifestyles. This workshop is a crucial step in empowering health professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to drive this change.”

This initiative aligns with the ‘Behavioural Sciences for Better Health’ resolution adopted at the 76th World Health Assembly in May 2023. The resolution emphasizes the importance of integrating behavioural science approaches into public health functions and patient care, urging member states to build capacity in this area. The workshop in Kuala Lumpur is a testament to Malaysia’s commitment to this global health agenda.

Looking Ahead

The success of the workshop has paved the way for further capacity-building initiatives. MOH plans to refine and translate the training module for broader dissemination among health professionals. WHO continues to collaborate with MOH to integrate behavioural sciences into public health strategies, as aligned with Malaysia’s first National Blueprint for Behavioural Insights in Health that is currently under development.