VCD1202 - The Australian healthcare and pharmaceutical environment

Leader: Mr. Bill Suen

Offered

Parkville Summer semester B 2007 (Off-campus)
Parkville Summer semester B 2007 (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

1. Describe the key components of the Australian healthcare system;
2. explain the purposes and features of the Medicare System and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme;
3. outline the drug registration process in Australia;
4. describe the role and the range of possible services provided by a community pharmacy;
5. describe the key features of the Australian hospital system; and critique the pharmaceutical cost saving strategies within the hospital system;
6. recognise the roles and activities of the pharmaceutical industry; and identify the key financial and marketing issues related to new drug development;
7. describe and apply the Code of Conduct for the pharmaceutical industry;
8. identify the key peak bodies for the Australian healthcare and pharmaceutical fraternity; analyse the current issues facing them.

Assessment

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