Leader: Dr Charles Livingstone

Offered

Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Day)
Peninsula Second semester 2008 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit will integrate issues relating to the organisation and economics of health care within a variety of settings at the local, regional, national and international level. Within the Australian context, the focus will be on the provision of health services to the public, and how this is managed under the Medicare health system. There will be an examination of current funding models and an exploration of the potential for alternative models and analysis of the social implications that economics and resource allocation have on health outcomes. Contemporary movements and phenomena will be explored including globalisation, privatisation and commercialisation.

Objectives

By the completion of this unit, it is expected that the student will be able to

1. describe the structure and function of the state, national and international health and social care systems.

2. outline the interconnectedness of health and social care systems with private enterprise, economics, and regulatory obligation.

3. demonstrate a critical perspective towards theories of power such as medical dominance and institutional hegemony.

4. describe the relationship between health systems, culture, society, education and economics, and show how this knowledge and power base affects health outcomes.

5. explain the importance of inter-relationships with other professionals and agencies working in health and social care - both in the health and the non-health sector.

6. develop skills and know how to make effective contact with individuals and agencies for a range of objectives, and then clarify and negotiate the appropriate outcomes from such contacts.

Assessment

Scoping report (1000 words): 20%
Group presentation: 10%
Individual research report (1500 words): 20%
Essay (2500 words): 50%
Hurdle requirements: students are required to attend 80% of tutorials.

Contact hours

Three hours contact time (1 hr lecture, 2 hrs tutorials) and 9 hours private study per week, a site visit (3-4hrs) and one week rural placement.