Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Health policy, planning and advocacy are important processes that ensure health care systems are responsive to the changing burden of disease in communities. In preparation for a professional career in health, this unit consolidates knowledge of health policy formulation, planning, implementation, evaluation and advocacy. Contemporary Australian health policy challenges will be examined at local, state and national levels. The dynamic nature of the health sector requires professionals to be proficient in translating health policy into practice. This unit builds on your previous studies on contemporary public health and health culture and society. You will develop knowledge and skills in health policy development, analysis, planning, evaluation and develop an understanding of the role and influence of advocacy on policy making.

Aims

This unit aims to consolidate knowledge of health policy development and reform and the processes that translate policy into public health practice and health service delivery.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of public policy development in the public health and broader health care context
2. Critically examine advocacy processes and their impact on public policy.
3. Translate a health policy into a plan for implementation.
4. Plan and appropriately document a health program and evaluation based on a contemporary public health policy.

Content

The major topic areas include:

· Dimensions of public policy, policy development and policy analysis and their application in a public health and broader health
care context, including the politics of policy making.
· The role of advocacy.
· Planning for health policy implementation, including planning principles, frameworks and methods.
· Public health program development frameworks and processes.
· Health policy and program evaluation principles and methods.
· Developing and appropriately documenting implementation plans and programs responsive to policy.


Specific skills and graduate capabilities you will develop include:

· Knowledge and skilsl pertinent to public health policy processes, including associated social and ethical responsibilities.
· Critical, creative and analytical thinking, and effective problem solving.
· Effective communication in the context of policy development, implementation and analysis.
· Effective information gathering and sharing, including the ability to work independently and collaboratively.



Throughout all aspects of this unit sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender related issues will be demonstrated as appropriate.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The dynamic nature of the health sector requires professionals to be proficient in translating policy into practice. In response to this,
you develop skills in comprehensive evidence-based planning with an appreciation of the essential link between policy and this process.
You will work collaboratively to apply concepts already learned about 'contemporary public health', 'health culture and society', the 'Australian health care system', 'health information', 'epidemiology' and 'statistics' to critique contemporary health policies. You will
develop a proposal for a new or revised program and associated evaluation plan aligned to a public health policy of your choice, which includes policy identification and analysis, evidence-based planning and program development and implementation planning.
The integration of theory and practice is achieved by linking lectures, tutorials and preparation of assessment items.

The relevant resource materials for this unit are the

· unit information document

· online Blackboard teaching site

· recommended readings

· recommended textbooks (available at the QUT Bookshop)

· lectures and tutorials.


The unit is available in both internal and external mode (subject to Unit Coordinator's approval).

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed throughout the semesterYou will gain feedback on the activities conducted in tutorials, and written and oral feedback about written assignments. In order to maximise your learning experience in this unit, advanced preparation for tutorial sessions and active participation is expected of you.

Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester, commencing with your policy critique, to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on your group presentation and research as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Presentation
Description: Policy Critique Presentation
Internal students will be required to present the policy critique developed for Assignment 1 to their peers and to a professional panel for assessment.

*This assessment is due in weeks 5-7, dependent on class size

*THIS ASSESSMENT IS ONLY FOR INTERNAL STUDENTS
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 10%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Weeks 5 - 7*

Assessment name: Essay
Description: Policy critique of a nominated national and/or state public health policy (2500 words).

This assessment will be completed in groups for internal students and individually for external students.

Internal students weighting: 20%

External students weighting: 30%
Relates to objectives: 1,3
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Group with Individual Component
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Research Paper
Description: You will be required to develop a program proposal for implementation of a public health policy (or specific element of a policy). You will use a briefing paper format (to be provided) to describe your proposal which will include a proposed program evaluation strategy.

(3500 words)
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3 and 4
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: End of Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: You will be required to analyse the planning process associated with the implementation of a nominated health policy ( i.e. the policy you chose for Assessment 1).

(2500 - 2800 words)
Relates to objectives: 1,2,3
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 9

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Eagar, K., Garrett, P., and Lin, V. (2001). Health Planning Australian Perspectives. Sydney: Allen and Unwin

Dugdale, P. (2008) Doing Health Policy in Australia. Sydney: Allen & Unwin

Palmer, G. and Short, S. (2010) Health Care and Public Policy: An Australian Analysis, 4th Edition, Melbourne: Palgrave Macmillan

Althaus, C., Bridgman, P. and Davis, G. (2007) The Australian Policy Handbook, 4th Edition, Crows Nest, NSW: Allen & Unwin. eBook available.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 29-Oct-2012