Nursing and the Health Care System 1

Subject 514-751 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 6.25
Level: 5 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus



Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 18 hours lectures
Total Time Commitment:

In addition to the subject contact hours, students are expected to devote approximately 3 hours a week to this subject.

Prerequisites:

n/a

Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: 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 courses. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Course Coordinator and the Disability Liaison Unit.

Coordinator

Ms Robyn Faulkner

Contact

School of Nursing and Social Work
The University of Melbourne
Level 5, 234 Queensberry St
Carlton Victoria 3053 AUSTRALIA
T: +61 3 8344 9400
F: +61 3 9347 4375
W: www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au
W: www.socialwork.unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject enables students to explore international, national and local political and economic factors that impact on the healthcare system and the provision of health services. Students will examine, using epidemiological data, the impact of environment, occupation, race, gender and poverty on health status and identify the major causes of morbidity and mortality in specific populations. Students will examine current government initiatives, including funding models, health promotion and screening, and will debate issues identified in the provision of contemporary health care.

Objectives:

At the completion of this subject students should be able to:

  • discuss the similarities and differences between international, federal, state and local health policy and identify the major determinants of health;
  • discuss the major causes of morbidity and mortality;
  • identify the major causes of morbidity and mortality in specific Australian populations;
  • discuss current international and national priorities in healthcare;
  • examine the Australian healthcare system and factors that impact on health care provision;
  • describe models of health funding;
  • discriminate between government and non government health care providers;
  • explore the concepts of health promotion, early detection and early intervention.
Assessment:
  1. 500 word written assignment (20%) - Due week 4
  2. 2-hour examination (80%) - At the end of semester
Prescribed Texts:

n/a
Recommended Texts:

Duckett, S. (2004). The Australian health care system. USA: Oxford University Press

Specific readings and web-based resources selected by the subject coordinator will be made available to students through the Leaning Management System (LMS).
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

At the completion of this subject, students should be able to demonstrate:

  • the capacity for information seeking, retrieval and evaluation;
  • critical thinking and analytical skills;
  • an openness to new ideas;
  • planning and time management skills;
  • the ability to communicate knowledge through classroom and web-based discussions and written material.
Links to further information: http://www.nursing.unimelb.edu.au/
Related Course(s): Master of Nursing Science

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