Health Systems

Subject POPH90209 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

August, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Aug-2015 to 25-Sep-2015
Assessment Period End 02-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 02-Sep-2015
Census Date 11-Sep-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 09-Oct-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 24 hours
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

505-548 Australian Health Systems

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website.

Coordinator

Dr Helen Jordan

Contact

h.jordan@unimelb.edu.au

OR

Academic Programs Office
Melbourne School of Population and Global Health
Tel: +61 3 8344 9339
Fax: +61 3 8344 0824
Email: sph-gradinfo@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will provide students with the analytical frameworks for exploring the social dynamics, institutions and structures that constitute health systems, and enhance students’ ability to undertake critical policy analysis of health systems. Issues that will be addressed will include, but may not be exclusive to: health system structures, factors influencing health systems, intergovernmental relations in health, health financing systems, health workforce supply and policy, general practice and primary healthcare, complementary health systems, international health systems and indigenous peoples, major health system reforms, evidence, tools, performance measurement, and policy processes that inform health system decision-making. The Australian health system will be the primary case study with most topics including comparative case studies from other health systems.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Describe and critically analyse the institutions, structures and processes that constitute the Australian health system
  • Characterise the key components of the Australian health system by comparison with other health systems
  • Analyse and critique health system policy and initiatives with a focus on the key institutional, social, cultural and political influencing factors
Assessment:

One essay of 2,000 words, due mid semester (40%); one critical analysis totalling 3,000 words due during the examination period (60%).

Prescribed Texts:

Duckett, S. & Wilcox, S. (2011) (4th ed) The Australian Health Care System, Melbourne: Oxford University Press. RRP: $A 83.95
Students will have access to electronic copies of relevant readings.

Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Upon completion of this subject, students will have developed skills in:

  • Finding, evaluating and using relevant information,
  • Written communication,
  • Oral communication,
  • Persuasion and argumentation,
Related Course(s): Master of Public Health
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Health Economics and Economic Evaluation
Health Program Evaluation
Public Health
Public Health
Tailored Specialisation
Tailored Specialisation

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