ECX9741 - Applied health economics and health policy

Leader(s): Ms Jennifer Watts

Offered

Clayton Summer semester A 2009 (Off-campus)

Synopsis

This unit synthesises contemporary issues in health policy, building on the fundamental economic concepts, including economic efficiency and equity, learned in the first level introductory unit. It is aimed at further developing the core concepts of efficiency and equity, and the application of contemporary health care issues. The unit is organised around three themes: the role of government in the health care system; government regulation in the organisation and delivery of health care services and incentives for equity and efficiency; and the use of economic principles to analyse and develop policy options in health care.

Objectives

The learning goals associated with this unit are to:

• understand the changing perceptions of the role of government in the health sector
• understand the organisation, delivery and financing of health services, including incentives for equity and efficiency
• understand the implications of the ageing population on health care expenditure in Australia, including the organisation, delivery and funding of aged care services
• understand the impact of government regulation on prices and subsidies in the pharmaceutical, health technology and in private health insurance industries
• understand the options for health system reform, including the analysis of policy options, resource allocation and priority setting models.

Assessment

Within semester assessment: 50%
Examination (3 hours): 50%

Contact hours

Clayton, OCDL

Prerequisites

Students must be enrolled in course code 3171 or have passed ECX9700