MPH2068

Financial issues in health care management ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Ms K Makarounas-Kirchmann

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2005 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2005 (OCL)

Synopsis: This unit aims to provide managers with sufficient skills to understand financial statements, financial management terms and budgeting. Key financial concepts and terms are discussed in order to familiarize managers with their use. Health Economics is presented as a key component of evidence based decision making. The use of economic evaluations by decision makers is explored.

Objectives: On completion of this unit students should be able to: Part 1 1. Recognise key accounting terms and language. 2. Illustrate how transactions that affect the economic position of a health care organisation are recorded. 3. Explain the construction of basic financial statements including balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flows. 4. Analyse and interpret the information contained in basic financial statements. Part 2 5. Demonstrate an understanding of different models for financing health services and the cost containment incentives and disincentives associated with each type of payment method. 6. Relate the principles of management control systems to financial issues in health care. 7. Demonstrate skills in building, analysing and using a budget. 8. Explain how to best optimise resource use, and appreciate the role of cost containment strategies. 9. Evaluate and appreciate the use of health economics as a tool for rational decision-making. 10. Critically appraise an economic analysis. 11. Identify the robustness of a pharmacoeconomic evaluation as viewed by Australian decision makers.

Assessment: Web-based tasks (50%)+ Written assignments (25%)+ Examination (25%)

Contact Hours: 15 contact hours over 2 days

Off-campus attendance requirements: 15 contact hours over 2 days