PUBH 7031 Health Systems and Policy

This is an archived copy of the 2022-2023 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit https://hbook.westernsydney.edu.au.

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 subject explores concepts that form the basis for the way health systems are designed and operate. This subject 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 subject 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:

Summarise the structure and organisation of health systems, with a particular focus on the Australian health system
Critique the Australian health system
Critique the role of government policy in shaping health systems and priorities for health funding
Examine the challenges and opportunities facing health systems, particularly those in Australia
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

Assessment

The following table summarises the standard assessment tasks for this subject. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated, where there is a difference your Learning Guide takes precedence.

Type	Length	Percent	Threshold	Individual/Group Task
Professional Task	1200 words	30	N	Individual
Professional Task	800 words	40	N	Individual
Presentation	3 minute plus 500 words	30	N	Individual

Prescribed Texts

Duckett,S., & Willcox, S. (2022). The Australian health care system (No. Ed. 6).Oxford University Press
Palmer, G. R., & Short, S. D. (2014). Health care and public policy: an Australian analysis (5th ed.). Macmillan Education AU

Teaching Periods