PHE5AHS

THE AUSTRALIAN HEALTH SYSTEM

PHE5AHS

2018

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject will introduce students to the key structural components of the Australian health system, their interrelationships and relevant policy issues. The health status of Australians and inputs to the system (finance, workforce, technologicial resources) are reviewed together with institutional arrangements (hospitals, primary helath and community care, public health services) departmental and interdepartmental structures in government and the role of consumers. Trends in health system performance are also explored. This subject will focus on developing students' understanding of and ability to critically assess how the Australian health system has eveloved and curernt issues and challenges including pressures for reform. The current health system reform agenda will be examined and discussed, together with future directions for the health system.

SchoolSchool of Psychology & Public Health

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorZhanming Liang

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 5 - Masters

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditions Offered subject to sufficient enrolment numbers.

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsThe Australian health care system.PrescribedDuckett, S.J. & Willcox, S.Oxford University Press, 2015, 5th Edn.
ReadingsSelected journal articles recommended for reading are detailed in the subejct outline.RecommendedVarious authors..

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the key structural components of the Australian Health System and apply this understanding to guide work and professional practices

Activities:
Self readings, online discussions and online exam
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Critically assess trends in the performance of the health care system and the factors shaping these trends

Activities:
Online discussions and preparation of assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

03. Evaluate contemporary health policy proposals and assess their impact on the system and specific health service components

Activities:
Self-readings, online discussions and preparation of assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

04. Critically assess the current organisational design and service provisions and how they respond and relate to a complex healthcare environment

Activities:
Online discussions and preparation of assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

05. Evaluate the challenges facing healthcare organisations and develop solutions and strategies for addressing such challenges to generate both short term and long term outcomes

Activities:
Online discussions and preparation of assignments
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Personal and Professional Skills(Autonomy and independence,Ethical behaviour,Study and Learning Skills)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Online, 2018, Semester 1, Online

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorZhanming Liang

Class requirements

WorkShop
Three 3.0 hours workshop per study period on weekdays during the day and delivered via blended.
"All students are required to participate in on-line discussions, plus have regular contact with subject lecturers using email and online discussion board facility of LMS: equivalent to 39 hours. Three optional face-to-face classes will be held in City. Combination of day and night classes."

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
Four online group discussions (2,400 word equiv. per student)4001, 02, 03, 04, 05
Major assignment (3,000 word equiv.)4502, 03, 04, 05
Three 15-minute MCQ online examinations1501