Courses - Master of Public Health Program

Course Description

This course provides an introduction to health care systems, clinical governance and policy analysis. The institutional structure of the Australian health system will be covered in broad outline, with comparisons to alternative systems and illustration of the major economic aspects of the system. We will then examine the governance and management of clinical
care and the stewardship of the health of the population. The course will conclude by considering how to construct a policy analysis of health issues and reform proposals. The one
semester course will be taught over four hours contact time per week with associated readings, and include presentations from experts involved in the operation and reform of the
health system, as well as student presentations.

Syllabus

Introduction to health care systems

• Public, private and charitable institutions of the health sector in Australia
• Economics, finance and markets in the Australian system

Clinical governance/health stewardship

• Managing health service clinical performance
• Clinician performance

Policy analysis

• The purpose of government and policy
• Administrative technologies

Learning Outcomes :

Students who have taken this course will

• Be able to describe the major components of the Australian health system and understand how it differs from some other health systems
• Be able to explain the some of the economic aspects of health system operation, with reference to the institutional structure of the system and the provision of health care to the population
• Be able to describe some of the major mechanisms used to govern the provision of clinical care and manage health services
• Understand the concept of health stewardship and describe how politicians, policy decision makers and managers can contribute to the health of the community
• Be able to systematically analyse health issues and develop health policy reform proposals.

Indicative Assessment

One minor assignment describing an aspect of the health system (1500 words), and one major assignment analysing a health policy issue of contemporary importance (4000 words
plus presentation to the class) and one minor assignment in the form of a policy brief (500 words).

Areas of interest

Health, Medicine and the Body; Medicine; and Population Studies.