Undergraduate - UnitBME3032 - Introduction to the health system

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2015 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

print version

6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit	School of Biomedical Sciences
Offered	Clayton Second semester 2015 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Helen Ackland

Synopsis

This unit examines the ways in which health systems are organised and health services are delivered. The broader context in which disease and illness occur is also discussed. The unit considers the Australian health care system in detail and the global context of health systems and health inequalities. It explores two areas: health policy and service delivery systems; and illness and health in the context of social, cultural and behavioural systems. Areas covered include: health systems, health policy, health funding, quality in health systems, models of health, population health, and health and human rights.

Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, students should be able to:

Understand key principles in the organisation and funding of health systems.
Be able to apply an understanding of health and health services in the context of the Australian health care system.
Recognise the key elements determining health policy.
Recognise key determinants and models of health.
Understand the complexities of improving population health and the ways in which this is evaluated.
Recognise the basis of human rights in health care.
Develop important professional skills, including oral and written communication skills, critical analysis skills, and interpersonal skills.