Monash University Handbook 2010 Postgraduate - Unit

Synopsis

This unit involves a structured review of the policy making process of developing and making policy. It considers Australian and international perspectives, including the role of governments, key challenges for national health systems, and key current issues in global and Australian health policy.

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. List the major substantive health policy issues, particularly in the areas of:
• Alternative funding for health care
• Rationing health care
• Health care for the aged
• Mental health
• Chronic care and the continuum of care
• Rural and indigenous health care
• Technology and eHealth
• Workforce
7. Locate sources of information guiding health policy content and process.
8. Integrate the above to critically appraise policy issues and the policy process in action.

Assessment

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

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