92606 Issues in Australian Health Services

Subject level: Postgraduate

Handbook description

This subject is an introduction to the Australian health system. It provides an essential grounding for clinicians and managers working in the health system today. The subject covers a range of topics that touch on the health status and care needs of the Australian population, government relations, stakeholder interests and changing patterns of care. On completion of the subject, students have a knowledge of the main organisational components of the Australian system, the major issues facing health service policymakers, planners, managers and clinicians, and options for managing these issues in the future.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should be able to:

1. apply contemporary knowledge to gain an understanding of the size, structure and organisation of the Australian health care system
2. understand the health needs of the Australian population
3. understand the challenges facing governments, organisations and professionals in delivering and managing health care services
4. analyse changing trends in health services locally and globally and options for reform
5. evaluate current health issues that impact on the ageing of the population and on new health issues.

Content

• Interactive group session
• Lecture: health status
• Structure of the Australian health system
• Interactive group session
• Managing health services
• Financing and funding health care
• Financing and funding health care
• Health workforce
• Local and global trends in health
• Subject evaluation