VCD1202

The Australian healthcare and pharmaceutical environment ( 6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Mr. Bill Suen

Offered:
Parkville W 2006 (On-campus)

Synopsis: This unit provides an overview of the Australian healthcare system with specific focus in its pharmaceutical component. It examines the roles of government, the pharmaceutical industry, community pharmacies, hospitals and relevant professional peak bodies and consumer groups in shaping the pharmaceutical supply infrastructure. A brief comparison of the Australian system with a number of international systems is included.

Objectives: At the end of this unit, participants will be able to: 1. Describe the key components of the Australian healthcare system; 2. identify the main stakeholders who provide funding in healthcare in Australia; 3. describe the key Commonwealth and State Parliamentary Acts and Regulations governing the development, registration and supply of pharmaceuticals in Australia; 4. identify the roles of relevant government bodies in the administration of these Acts and Regulations; 5. explain the purposes and features of the Medicare System and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; 6. outline the drug registration process in Australia; 7. identify key government policies in the pharmaceutical supply and related services; 8. analyse the effect of government legislations and policies on healthcare practitioners involved in the pharmaceutical supply process; 9. describe the role and the range of possible services provided by a community pharmacy; 10. analyse and form a view on current issues related to pharmacy ownership, the supply of pharmacy only drugs and pharmacists only drugs; 11. review the strategic impact of mail order and E-commence in pharmacy; 12. describe the key features of the Australian public hospital system; 13. critique the pharmaceutical cost saving strategies within the public hospital system; 14. recognise the full range of services provided by the pharmaceutical industry; 15. describe the Code of Conduct for the pharmaceutical industry; 16. identify the key financial and marketing issues related to new drug development; 17. compare and contrast the Australian pharmaceutical industry with its counterpart in other countries; 18. outline the key stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry and their recent activities to maintain competitiveness; 19. identify the key peak bodies for the Australian healthcare and pharmaceutical fraternity; 20. analyse the current issues facing each peak body; 21. outline their recent initiatives to achieve their objectives; 22. describe the key elements of a number of selected overseas Health Care Systems; 23. compare and contrast health economic information between the selected overseas and Australian systems; 24. identify the common issues and collaboration between the NZ and Australian Governments in the delivery of healthcare.

Assessment: Class presentation (30%), assignment (30%), final examination (40%)