This course provides an introduction to health services research, health care systems, policy formulation and analysis. The institutional structure of the Australian health system will be covered in broad outline with illustration of the major economic aspects of the system. Health policy formulation, important aspects and complexity in policy framing will be discussed. The course will offer a basic understanding of health care system, health policy and challenges in policy implementation. It also covers some important issues and questions relating to health care reform, pointing out forces that are likely to influence and shape health care systems. The semester long course will be taught over three hours contact time per week with associated readings, and include presentations from experts involved in the operation, reform and policy making of the health system.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:- Critically evaluate the major components of the Australian health system; understand some approaches to health services research and health system reform;
- Be able to critically analyse research designs as applied to health services research
- Evaluate and explain some of the financial aspects of health system operation, with reference to the institutional structure of the system and the provision of health care to the population;
- Understand in depth the concept of policy making, involvement of potential stakeholders and their contributions to and influence on policy formulation;
- Systematically analyse health issues, conduct policy analysis and develop health policy reform proposals; based on the best available evidence and
- Discuss challenges in policy making around complex problems and understand challenges in policy implementation in the health sector.
Indicative Assessment
- An analysis paper 1500 words: - weight: 45% (LO: 1)
- A policy analysis exercise 2500 words: - weight: 45%, (LO: 4,6)
- Formative evaluation (Q&A): - weight: 10%, (LO: 1,2,3,4,5,6)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
It is expected that student will spend approximately 10h per week (inclusive of class time) on study related to this subject over the semesterPrescribed Texts
Health care and public policy: an Australian analysisby Palmer, G. R; Short, Stephanie D
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Date : 2014
Edition:5th edition.
ISBN: 1420256882, 9781420256888
Assumed Knowledge
None requiredFees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $4092 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2017 | $5454 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3703 | 20 Feb 2017 | 27 Feb 2017 | 31 Mar 2017 | 26 May 2017 | In Person | N/A |
| 4823 | 20 Feb 2017 | 27 Feb 2017 | 31 Mar 2017 | 26 May 2017 | Online | N/A |