MGY9570

The Australian health care system

Professor Chris Selby Smith

6 points · One 3-hour session per week · Second semester · Caulfield

Objectives The subject objectives are to provide an understanding of the environment in which health administrators operate in Australia, including a comprehensive description of the structure of the Australian health care system; to develop understanding of principles, concepts and theories which influence health policy and planning; to develop analytical skills in the analysis of health policy; to emphasise the complexity of management in the health sector and the part played by values in policy formulation, implementation and evaluation.

Synopsis This subject is aimed at providing an understanding of the environment in which health administrators operate. Key topics covered include the structure of the Australian health care system (public and private hospitals, nursing homes, non-institutional services, preventive services, government structures); industrial relations in the health sector; and financing arrangements (including Commonwealth-State financial arrangements). Contemporary policy debates and issues are highlighted.

Assessment Assignment (3000 words): 50% · Assignment (3000 words): 50%

Prescribed texts

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Australia's health AGPS, latest edn
Grant C and Lapsley H Australian health care system ASHSA Series
Palmer G R and Short S Health care and public policy: The Australian experience Macmillan, latest edn
Sax S A Health care choices and the public purse Allen and Unwin, 1990

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