Health economics
Professor Chris Selby Smith
6 points * One 3-hour session per week * Second semester * Clayton
Synopsis The aim of this subject is to introduce students to the economic analysis of health care problems. Many aspects of the Australian health care system are economic in nature, and a thorough understanding of the functioning of the health care system requires an ability to analyse patterns in the delivery and use of services and programs using various tools of economic analysis. The subject does not assume any prior knowledge of economics at tertiary level. The overall emphasis is on the application of economic analysis to the Australian health care system.
Assessment Written (two 2000-word assignments): 50% * Class presentation: 10% * Examination (2 hours): 40%
Prescribed texts
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Australia's Health 1994 AGPS, 1994
Feldstein, P J Health Care Economics Wiley, latest edn
Monash University Economics and Health various years
National Health Strategy Review Issues Papers and Background Papers 1991-93