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

This unit is a major common to the three Masters program in Health. It provides a strategic overview of health funding and economics which is fundamental knowledge for health managers and those aspiring to work in health policy roles. The management of resources, whether they are financial, material or human, are critical elements of the role of a health service manager. After developing an understanding of basic economic concepts as related to the health sector, you will learn to apply this knowledge to financial management in Australian and international health care settings. Financial management is a skill that is required by all levels of management. It is therefore important to equip emerging health managers with skills and theory to enable them to effectively manage resources that have a financial implication to their area or department.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop an extensive understanding of micro and macro economics as it applies to health and to facilitate the development of extensive analytical and financial decision making skills.

This unit offers an overview of the financial structure of the Australian Health Care system and the context in which it operates. It also offers a solid understanding of the basic concepts and tools of economic analysis. It introduces concepts that are essential in understanding financial resource management, health and health care. You will develop research skills and demonstrate skills in the evaluation of management accounting principles and practice, and economic analysis.

Objectives

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

1. critically analyse the macroeconomic and microeconomic aspects and financial management of health service delivery at a fundamental level and apply this knowledge to such areas as health policy, administration, and health services management by the use of practical tools such as financial management
   
2. demonstrate an ability to evaluate the principles of efficiency, effectiveness and equity in relation to the financing of health services
   
3. demonstrate an understanding of resource allocation methods and their applications, as well as the conceptual basis and outputs of economic research
   
4. demonstrate a working knowledge of financial administration, governance and evaluation as they are used in the Australian health system.

Content

Major topics of study include:

Health Economics - overview of economic principles (market supply and demand); economic characteristics of the health care market; demand and production of health; economic appraisal techniques (cost minimisation, cost effectiveness, cost utility and cost benefit analysis).
Health Funding - overview of history and trends in health funding; comparative analysis of health funding in different jurisdictions; mechanisms of health funding (input, activity and outcome based funding); health insurance and its impact on health funding including compulsory national health insurance schemes.
Financial Management - financial administration (identifying costs, budgeting, financial reporting, audit and accountability); financial governance; performance evaluation; financial impact of new technologies.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit will be available in internal and external mode. The unit will be delivered through lectures, contemporary readings and journal articles, a detailed study guide and tutorials for internal students. Lectures may include guest presentations by health managers with experience in health finance and budgeting. Audio recordings of lectures and industry guest speakers will be available on your unit's Blackboard teaching site.

Assessment

There are two (2) assessments to be completed throughout the semester. The assessments will test your understanding and acquisition of knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts of health care finance and economics. The final assessment will integrate your knowledge and understanding through an in depth critical economic and financial analysis of a health care initiative or program of your choice.You will be provided with written feedback about each assessment as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Short answer questions
Description: You will answer five (5) questions provided in Week 1 of the unit that test your understanding of key health economics and finance concepts.
Relates to objectives: 1-2
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

Assessment name: Essay
Description: You will be required to write an essay of 3000 words that involves evaluating a proposed health initiative or current program and making recommendations for economic and financial improvement of the program.
Relates to objectives: 1-4
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Mid-Semester

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

There is no prescribed text for this unit.

The recommended text for this unit is Courtney, M. and Briggs, D. (Eds) (2004) Health Care Financial Management, Elsevier Mosby, Sydney.

You will be provided with specific materials and information about reference texts at the commencement of the unit. Additional reference materials may be provided throughout the unit.

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: 17-Oct-2012