Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401363

Coordinator Paul Preobrajensky Opens in new window

Description A detailed understanding of the structure and functioning of the health system is essential to effectively work, manage and lead in health services. This unit explores concepts that form the basis for the way health systems are designed and operate. This unit will equip students with the skills to critique challenges and opportunities that can influence how health services are delivered and resourced such as health workforce shortages, digital health innovations, public-private partnerships, and changing demographics. This unit will also examine the crucial role of governance and health policy in determining funding priorities and shaping health systems with a particular focus on the Australian health system, but within an international context. These issues are critiqued with health reform and the drivers for change nationally and internationally.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Public Health

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Level Postgraduate Coursework Level 7 subject

Equivalent Subjects PUBH 7022 Public Health Policy and Society

Restrictions

Students must be enrolled in a postgraduate program

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. Summarise the structure and organisation of health systems, with a particular focus on the Australian health system
2. Critique the Australian health system
3. Critique the role of government policy in shaping health systems and priorities for health funding
4. Examine the challenges and opportunities facing health systems, particularly those in Australia
5. Appraise strategies to address the challenges to the health system

Subject Content

1.An introduction to health system structure
2.Overview of the Australian health system and international comparisons
3.Governance, policy and healthcare with a focus on Australia
4.Financing health systems
5.Human resources for health
6.Health information systems