Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2013

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

Rationale

Health systems and their structure and functioning are outcomes of health policy and well-informed and developed policy makes an important contribution to the management of health organizations and subsequently to the health of the population. The globalisation of the health sector, the changing global burden of disease, demographic profiles and trans-migration have implications for understanding and developing health policy and management that contributes to population health nationally and internationally. This unit will use the comparative method to provide you with an understanding of the impact of globalisation on health policy, management and planning. Those involved in health management and policy need a broad understanding of the interplay of factors that influence the policy development and evaluation cycle. You will learn to critically appraise the role of evidence in policy formulation, the role of political and other influences in policy making and the critical role that policy plays in management. There will also be the opportunity to explore and understand specific examples of national and international health policy in both developed countries and countries in transition, particularly in the Asia Pacific Region.

Aims

1. to have an understanding of the global context within which health service managers operate;
2. to understand the range of issues that influence the policy development process generally, as well as health policy and health care policy processes, more specifically;
3. to consider a broad cross-sectoral policy perspective that addresses issues such as disease prevention and the promotion of health in population groups, supportive environments that promote health, in addition to health policy that is more directly relevant to the management and delivery of health care and health services;
4. to consider in detail the spectrum of policy development and types of policy that are relevant to population health in a global context;
5. to recognise the complexities involved in managing reform within the global context of contemporary health issues.

Objectives

Throughout all aspects of this unit you are expected to demonstrate as appropriate sensitivity to and an understanding of cultural and gender-related issues. On completion of this unit you will be able to:
1. Critically analyse the role of evidence as a foundation and an influence in policy development.
2. Identify the key issues in the global environment impacting on health policy, planning, management and evaluation processes.
3. Analyse the implications of international factors on health policy for planning, management and evaluation.
4. Identify the manager's role within these processes.
5. Analyse the process of policy development and its relationship to policies that guide it.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles and practice of health outcome planning and evaluation.

Content

The content of the unit will be organised into four modules:
Module 1: Public Policy Theory and its role in Management
Module 2: The Management Perspective and the Global Health System Environment: Comparative Analysis of Management and the Policy Process
Module 3: Policy and Planning in Differing Health Care Systems
Module 4: Policy Making and Planning in Differing Health Care Systems

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Theory and results from applied research are combined through a series of topics, via various teaching approaches, such as lectures, discussions, tutorials self-directed learning and teleconferences. The unit is offered as both an internal unit and in external delivery format.

Assessment

There are three assessments to be completed by the end of the semester. All assignments are to be submitted through Grade Centre on Blackboard. No Assignment Minder copy is required.Feedback will be provided by Teleconference and tutor comment.
Assessment will be spaced throughout the semester to provide the opportunity for feedback on your learning to that point. You will be provided with feedback on all your assessments as you progress through the unit.

Assessment name: Assignment 1
Description: Feedback: Teleconference/tutor comment
Relates to objectives: 1, 2
Weight: 20%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 5

Assessment name: Assignment 2
Description: Feedback: Teleconference/tutor comment
Relates to objectives: 3, 4
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 10

Assessment name: Assignment 3
Description: Feedback: Teleconference/tutor comment
Relates to objectives: 5, 6
Weight: 50%
Internal or external: Both
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 14

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 are no materials or resources required to be purchased for this unit.
Students will be provided with Unit Information, a Study Guide, and a Book of Readings. Further required readings along with relevant URL addresses or access details will also be provided.
Recommended texts:
Twaddle AC (2002) Health Care Reform Around the World, Auburn House, Westport CT, USA, Greenwood Publishing Group. (eg, chapter by Stewart D, England I (2002) 'Reform of the Australian health care landscape: the contested terrain of development and innovation' pp 282-302).
Palmer, G. R. and Short, S. T. (2000) Health Care and Public Policy: An Australian Analysis, Third Edition, Macmillan Publishing Australia, South Yarra, Melbourne.
Lin, V and Gibson, B (eds) (2003) Evidence-based Health Policy: Problems and Possibilities, Oxford Unversity Press, Melbourne, Australia.
Lee K, Buse K & Fustukian S (2002) Health Policy in a Globalising World, Cambridge University Press, UK.

Risk assessment statement

Substantial computer-based work will be required. You should refer to the guidelines for safe work at VDUs contained in the SPH Guidelines to Students. Also ensure that your workstation is adjusted in accordance with these guidelines and that regular rest breaks are taken

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: 13-Jul-2012