Field Methods for Health Management

Subject 505-958 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Block OR Partial Block (Sem 1) Block Only (Sem 2)
For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: Minimum of 26 hours
Total Time Commitment: In addition to the stated contact hours, students are expected to spend at least 2-3 hours of study for each hour of contact.
Prerequisites:

505-102 Epidemiology
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Contact

Dr Tony Stewart, Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health

School of Population Health, University of Melbourne

Subject Overview:

This subject will cover: rapid appraisal of community health needs; population surveys; survey sampling methods; program monitoring; using health data for decision making; participatory evaluation of health programs; and applied health research. At the end of this course, students will have the skills necessary for designing a baseline survey and qualitative assessment of a community-based primary care program.

Objectives: On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
  • demonstrate a familiarity with the basic elements of health program design, implementation and evaluation;
  • identify appropriate strategies for gathering and analysing information which can then be applied to the design of health programs at all Levels;
  • use health data for appropriate decision making, including cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit measurements; and
  • develop appropriate health program management tools, including situational analysis, population surveys, behavioural studies, health information systems, operations research and participatory evaluation.
Assessment: Critical Evaluation – 1,000-1,500 words, due on last teaching day of the subject.
Assignment Plan – 350-450 words, due 2 weeks after last class
Program Plan – 2000-3000 words, due 4 weeks after last class
Prescribed Texts: A book of readings will be provided.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://www.sph.unimelb.edu.au
Notes: This subject is a Group 1 elective in the Master of Public Health.

Related Course(s): Master of Public Health

Download PDF version.