92640 Health Care in Australia - Systems and Policy Directions
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2023 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Result type: Grade, no marks
There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Description
This subject provides an opportunity for students to study the structure of the Australian health care system. The role of both federal and state governments in the provision of health services is examined along with the opportunity to identify financing and legislation in both the government and non-government sectors. The place of government, policy development and legislation in defining service delivery and policy is also studied as well as the mechanisms and results of legislative change. Challenges in providing health care in metropolitan, regional and remote settings are explored with particular emphasis on primary health care services for Indigenous communities.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| A. | Describe the structural and functional components of the Australian health care system |
|---|---|
| B. | Identify the role of federal and state governments in the provision of health care and health services |
| C. | Examine the development of Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations |
| D. | Discuss health service delivery challenges in metropolitan, regional and remote Australia with particular emphasis on Indigenous health services |
| E. | Develop academic thinking, reading and writing skills |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following graduate attributes:
- Take a personal, social and ethical responsibility for their professional involvement in primary health care (1.0)
- Take a health equality and human rights approach to healthcare provision (5.0)
- Demonstrate professional cultural competency which contributes to the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, inclusive of physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellness (6.0)
Teaching and learning strategies
This subject is undertaken in a blended approach to learning with students attending two five day block workshops on campus each semester accompanied by integrated learning in the online/distance environment. This approach to teaching is responsive to the needs of the student cohort. The flexibility of the blended approach is attractive to the cohort of students who can balance study around their professional and other commitments.
Face to face workshops allow for students to collaborate together in group assessments and continue this communication through discussion boards and virtual classrooms. The multidisciplinary and national student base and engagement with experts within the field additionally allows for the collaborative learning, development of enduring relationships, future networks and citizenship within the field.
The learning and teaching strategies utilised in this subject are developed collaboratively and include cultural guidance, subject and content specialists input and learning and teaching expertise.
Content (topics)
- Australian health care system overview
- Financing health care systems in Australia
- Health policy development overview
- Development of the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations
- Service delivery barriers and enablers
- Geographical influences on health service delivery
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Historical Recount
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): B, C and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 5.0 and 6.0 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 60% | ||||||||||||||||
| Length: | 1800 words | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
Assessment task 2: Diagrammatic Representation and Discussion
| Objective(s): | This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, D and E This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.0, 5.0 and 6.0 | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight: | 40% | ||||||||||||||||
| Criteria linkages: |
SLOs: subject learning objectives CILOs: course intended learning outcomes |
References
Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of New South Wales 1999, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Health Care Services to Aboriginal Communities: Core Functions of Primary Health Care in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS): AH&MRC Monograph Series, vol. Volume 1 Number 1, Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council of New South Wales, Strawberry Hills.
Australian Government 2013, National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2013-2023, Department of Health and Aging, Canberra.
Australian Government and National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation 2013, Healthy for Life: Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Report Card, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Canberra.
Australian Government Department of Health and Aging 2010, Building a 21st Century Primary Health Care System: Australia's first national primary health care strategy, Australian Government Department of Health and Aging, Canberra.
Duckett, S. 2007, The Australian health care system, Oxford University Press, South Melbourne.
National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation 2013, Investing in healthy futures for generational change, National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Unknown.
Public Health Association of Australia 2011, Policy-at-a-glance - Primary Health Care Policy, Public Health Association of Australia, Not stated.
Other resources
UTS Student Centre
Building 10
Monday to Friday: 9am - 5pm
Tel: 1300 ASK UTS (1300 275 887)
Details for student centres: www.uts.edu.au/current-students/contacts/general-contacts
For other resources/information refer to the Faculty of Health website (www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health), the Health Student Guide (www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/uts-health-student-guide.pdf) and UTSOnline at: https://online.uts.edu.au/webapps/login/
Improve your academic and English language skills
Marks for all assessment tasks such as assignments and examinations are given not only for what you write but also for how you write. If you would like the opportunity to improve your academic and English language skills, make an appointment with the HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support) Service in Student Services.
HELPS (Higher Education Language & Presentation Support)
HELPS provides assistance with English language proficiency and academic language. Students who need to develop their written and/or spoken English should make use of the free services offered by HELPS, including academic language workshops, vacation intensive courses, drop-in consultations, individual appointments and Conversations@UTS (www.ssu.uts.edu.au/helps). HELPS staff are also available for drop-in consultations at both City and Kuring-gai Libraries. Phone (02) 9514 9733
Please see www.uts.edu.au for additional information on other resources provided to students by UTS.