PUBH 3025 Health Policy and Advocacy

Credit Points 10

Legacy Code 401390

Coordinator Anna Spencer Opens in new window

Description Health professionals work in a complex sector governed by policy on population health and healthcare. This subject considers the role of policy in international and national healthcare. It examines policy making as both a rational and linear process responding to population health needs in just and fair ways, and the reality of policy making which occurs within a complex socio-political and economic environment shaped by powerful groups. Therefore, the aim of this subject is to consider how health professionals can develop effective evidence-based policy and the role advocacy can play in the health policy arena to engender greater health equity.

School Health Sciences

Discipline Health Promotion

Student Contribution Band HECS Band 2 10cp

Check your fees via the Fees page.

Level Undergraduate Level 3 subject

Pre-requisite(s) PUBH 1012 OR
PUBH 1010

Equivalent Subjects PUBH 2013 - Health Politics Policy and Planning LGYA 7182 - Health Politics Policy and Planning PUBH 3011 - Health Politics Policy and Planning

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Critically analyse international and national health policies and the policy making process;
  2. Identify the role of politics in the policy making process and demonstrate how it influences health outcomes for populations;
  3. Identify and demonstrate how context e.g. socio-political, historical, ideological and economic factors shape Australian health policy;
  4. Determine how quantitative and qualitative research can inform and create evidence-based health policy;
  5. Evaluate the role of major interest groups (advocacy and lobbyists) in the policy making process;
  6. Identify the health policy needs of vulnerable populations;
  7. Develop an understanding of and skills in health advocacy work;
  8. Demonstrate inter professional health competencies in communication, negotiation, cooperation and teamwork.

Subject Content

- Defining goals, purpose and scope of health policy
- historical and political aspects of international and Australian health policy and health care system
- ideological approaches to health including health care provision
- structural interest groups, pressure groups and political processes
- public policy types e.g. Distributive, Regulatory, self-Regulatory or redistributive
- policy co-ordination and intersectoral collaboration
- theories of power, choice/decision-making and The concept of rationing
- The politics of policy making
- The role of Advocacy in creating change to public policy
- evidence based policy making process and what is good health policy
- examine how research shapes policy decisions
- The agency of groups and individuals to Challenge power and bring about policy change
- lobbying and its impact on The public health agenda and policy formulation
- interest groups and Advocacy
- community participation/active Citizenship and empowerment in health

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
Multiple Choice 1 hour 15 N Individual
Critical Review 1,000 words 30 N Individual
Practical Exam 800 words and 15 minute presentation 30 N Group
Report 500 words 25 N Individual

Prescribed Texts

  • Baum, F. (2019) Governing for Health: Advancing Health and Equity through Policy and Advocacy. New York, NY: Oxford University Press
  • https://west-sydney-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1iaekk7/UWS-ALMA51258975510001571

Teaching Periods

Sydney City Campus - Term 2 (2023)

Sydney City

On-site

Subject Contact Andrey Zheluk Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2023)

Campbelltown

On-site

Subject Contact Anna Spencer Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Sydney City Campus - Term 2 (2024)

Sydney City

On-site

Subject Contact Andrey Zheluk Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Spring (2024)

Campbelltown

On-site

Subject Contact Anna Spencer Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window

Online

Online

Subject Contact Catharine Fleming Opens in new window

View timetable Opens in new window