Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

Delivery of health services is underpinned by a framework of health policies and other health system elements. Health professional leaders and managers, and those who aspire to these roles, need to know about these policies and about the process of policy making so that they can understand why a policy is what it is, and how to engage in the policy making process.

This unit involves a structured review of policy making processes, via WebCT based modules, readings and online tasks, supplemented by workshops with senior health care policy practitioners. It considers key challenges and major issues confronting governments and health systems around the world, and how policy can help address these.

Objectives

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Identify what policy is and how it works.
2. Distinguish 'policy', 'public policy' and 'health policy'.
3. Apply the 'Policy Cycle' to develop public policy.
4. Compare formal rational policy processes, such as the 'Policy Cycle', to the policy making process in action, including the role of interest groups and 'evidence'.
5. Identify how the policy agenda is formed.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of key challenges for the Australian health system and in global health
7. Demonstrate an understanding of major substantive health policy issues currently on the agenda
8. Locate sources of information guiding health policy content and process.
9. Integrate the above to critically appraise policy issues and the policy process in action.

Assessment

Web-based tasks (50%)
Written assignments (50%)

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Catherine Joyce

Contact hours

15 contact hours over 2 block days

Prohibitions

Students completing MPH2069 cannot undertake MPH2031

Additional information on this unit is available from the faculty at:

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/epidemiology/pgrad