With global healthcare systems struggling to keep up with population growth, this unit identifies weaknesses and helps you develop potential solutions. From funding, policies and infrastructure to social and political stability and climate change, there are a number of growing threats to healthcare. You'll analyse the current state of healthcare, while exploring the private and public sectors as well as their social and economic implications. With a comparative viewpoint between global systems, you will complete this unit with a comprehensive understanding of where the sector's at and where it needs to be. In this unit, you will study:

  • Health systems and health policy
  • Population outcomes
  • Social, cultural, environmental, economic and political factors impacting healthcare systems
  • Private, public, regulated and deregulated healthcare
  • International comparisons for healthcare systems
  • Social, political and environmental change and the future of health systems.

Learning outcomes

  • Explore the difference between health systems and health care systems
  • Describe and critique the various types of population health outcomes used to evaluate the success of health care systems
  • Analyse the range of social, cultural, environmental and political factors that impact on health care systems
  • Critique of the strengths and weaknesses of private, public, regulated and deregulated health care
  • Compare national and international health care systems across a range of performance indicators
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the impact of political, social and environmental change on the possible futures of health systems

Assessment

You are assessed according to the following components, each with its own weighted value against your overall result:

  • Essay - 30%
  • Report - 60%
  • Discussion Board - 10%

Courses

You can study this unit as part of the Master of Healthcare Leadership, Master of Mental Health and Master of Mental Health Nursing.   Please note, unit structure and content are subject to change. Contact your SCU Online student advisor on 1300 863 819 for more information based on your particular circumstances.