PUQ640 Health System Challenges and Opportunities
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PUQ640 |
|---|---|
| Equivalent(s): | PUN640 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,444 |
Unit Outline: Session 1 2025, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | PUQ640 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | PUN640 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Nil |
| Coordinator: | Sam Toloo Sheikhzadeh Yazd | sam.toloo@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A detailed understanding of the structure and function of health systems is essential for health service managers. This unit explores the way health systems are designed and operate. It also examines several issues that influence how health services are delivered and resourced. There is a particular focus on the Australian health system, but within an international context. These issues are critically analysed, along with the health reform agenda and key drivers for change, nationally and internationally. This unit is relevant to health professionals seeking to lead and influence the future direction of health systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the factors which have influenced the design and operation of health systems, both in Australia and internationally.
- Apply conceptual frameworks for system evaluation, such as equity, efficiency and effectiveness.
- Critically analyse the issues, opportunities and challenges faced by health systems, and options for system development.
- Critically appraise proposals for health system reform, and the underlying rationale.
- Apply public speaking and professional communication skills to present information to senior healthcare executives.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- An overview of health and health systems, including examination of cultural variations in the meaning of 'health', and the different types of health service organisations in the Australian health system, such as the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
- Health resources, including pharmaceuticals, the health workforce and digital technologies.
- Systems of evaluation, which aim to assess and enhance the performance of health systems.
- Drivers of policy reform aiming to ensure the sustainability of health systems and the health of communities they serve.
Each topic is examined holistically from multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in an active learning environment, undertaking regular online activities, guided through the learning process by expert teaching staff who provide regular feedback. On average, you will need to dedicate 12-15 hours each week for your learning that includes readings, discussions with peers and assignments.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided via quizzes, self-assessment tools, peer feedback and through individual or whole of class feedback, the debriefing of learning activities or via comments in online communities.
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks, in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Feedback on your formative assessment task will be received prior to the submission of your summative assessment task.
Assessment
Overview
There are two assessments in this unit.
1. Video-recorded presentation: Compare Two National Health Systems - This video-recorded presentation will consolidate core knowledge regarding the design and formation of modern health systems, while also requiring the application of advanced public speaking and professional communication skills.
2. Report - This realistic assessment will provide an opportunity to apply understanding of health system drivers and factors influencing contemporary health policy reform.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Compare two national health systems
You will take on the role of a health manager to investigate national health systems and present your findings and advice to senior healthcare executives.
In your video-recorded presentation, you will describe and contrast two national health systems in regards to:
- governance and structural arrangements
- financing arrangements and key resources
- factors that influenced the design, sustainability and outcomes of both systems
- systems for supporting digital technologies
- common themes across the systems
- strengths and weaknesses of each system
- lessons learnt for health system re-design
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Report
The World Health Organization (WHO) are looking at change and reform at a global level. To aid this, they are gathering case studies from a range of nations on specific policy reforms that have been proposed or recently implemented to address inequity in health of the population. Imagine you have been asked by your CEO to prepare one of these case studies on a policy reform or health service type of your choice. The chosen reform could have the aim of, for example, increasing healthcare access, utilisation, acceptability or outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. You are to describe the relevant health system in which the reform is situated, then evaluate its performance using an established framework. A comprehensive justification of the reform's rationale is also required, highlighting its potential to improve health system performance, along with recommendations for implementation and sustainability.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Duckett S. (2022). The Australian Health Care System (6th ed.). Australia: Oxford University Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with general participation in this unit. Workplace Health and Safety protocols associated with computer use will apply.
You are expected to communicate in ways that are professional and respectful of others in all interactions. Please refer to QUT guidelines on communication.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PQ31 Graduate Certificate in Health Management and Leadership
- Apply health management and leadership theories to inform and develop professional practice in complex situations
Relates to: ULO2, Report - Critically analyse emergent issues and research in uncertain and complex health environments to inform effective solutions
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Compare two national health systems, Report - Apply effective communication and collaboration skills to build productive relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve common goals
Relates to: ULO5, Compare two national health systems - Plan ways to lead and influence health management decision-making that shapes policies and optimises health systems and outcomes for diverse patients and populations
Relates to: ULO4, Report
PQ77 Graduate Diploma in Health Management and Leadership
- Design innovative and strategic responses to health leadership and management challenges to improve consumer, community, organisational and system level outcomes.
Relates to: Report - Critically analyse research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Formulate strategies for culturally safe and inclusive approaches that optimise health system design and service delivery.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Plan ways to communicate, collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to co-design equitable outcomes and sustainable performance in healthcare.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems
PQ87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Design innovative and strategic responses to health leadership and management challenges to improve consumer, community, organisational and system level outcomes.
Relates to: Report - Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Formulate strategies for culturally safe and inclusive approaches to optimise health system design and service delivery.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Communicate, collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to co-design equitable and sustainable healthcare.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems - Critically analyse and manage the implementation, benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, Compare two national health systems
Unit Outline: Session 3 2025, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | PUQ640 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Equivalent: | PUN640 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Nil |
| Coordinator: | Sam Toloo Sheikhzadeh Yazd | sam.toloo@qut.edu.au |
Overview
A detailed understanding of the structure and function of health systems is essential for health service managers. This unit explores the way health systems are designed and operate. It also examines several issues that influence how health services are delivered and resourced. There is a particular focus on the Australian health system, but within an international context. These issues are critically analysed, along with the health reform agenda and key drivers for change, nationally and internationally. This unit is relevant to health professionals seeking to lead and influence the future direction of health systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Identify and evaluate the factors which have influenced the design and operation of health systems, both in Australia and internationally.
- Apply conceptual frameworks for system evaluation, such as equity, efficiency and effectiveness.
- Critically analyse the issues, opportunities and challenges faced by health systems, and options for system development.
- Critically appraise proposals for health system reform, and the underlying rationale.
- Apply public speaking and professional communication skills to present information to senior healthcare executives.
Content
This unit will cover the following:
- An overview of health and health systems, including examination of cultural variations in the meaning of 'health', and the different types of health service organisations in the Australian health system, such as the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
- Health resources, including pharmaceuticals, the health workforce and digital technologies.
- Systems of evaluation, which aim to assess and enhance the performance of health systems.
- Drivers of policy reform aiming to ensure the sustainability of health systems and the health of communities they serve.
Each topic is examined holistically from multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives.
Learning Approaches
In this unit, you will learn by engaging in an active learning environment, undertaking regular online activities, guided through the learning process by expert teaching staff who provide regular feedback. On average, you will need to dedicate 12-15 hours each week for your learning that includes readings, discussions with peers and assignments.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will receive feedback on your learning in a variety of ways, including:
- Informal formative feedback will be provided via quizzes, self-assessment tools, peer feedback and through individual or whole of class feedback, the debriefing of learning activities or via comments in online communities.
- Formal written or recorded feedback will be received on both formative and summative assessment tasks, in addition to the grade on the Criterion Reference Assessment sheet.
Feedback on your formative assessment task will be received prior to the submission of your summative assessment task.
Assessment
Overview
There are two assessments in this unit.
1. Video-recorded presentation: Compare Two National Health Systems - This video-recorded presentation will consolidate core knowledge regarding the design and formation of modern health systems, while also requiring the application of advanced public speaking and professional communication skills.
2. Report - This realistic assessment will provide an opportunity to apply understanding of health system drivers and factors influencing contemporary health policy reform.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Compare two national health systems
You will take on the role of a health manager to investigate national health systems and present your findings and advice to senior healthcare executives.
In your video-recorded presentation, you will describe and contrast two national health systems in regards to:
- governance and structural arrangements
- financing arrangements and key resources
- factors that influenced the design, sustainability and outcomes of both systems
- systems for supporting digital technologies
- common themes across the systems
- strengths and weaknesses of each system
- lessons learnt for health system re-design
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Assessment: Report
The World Health Organization (WHO) are looking at change and reform at a global level. To aid this, they are gathering case studies from a range of nations on specific policy reforms that have been proposed or recently implemented to address inequity in health of the population. Imagine you have been asked by your CEO to prepare one of these case studies on a policy reform or health service type of your choice. The chosen reform could have the aim of, for example, increasing healthcare access, utilisation, acceptability or outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People. You are to describe the relevant health system in which the reform is situated, then evaluate its performance using an established framework. A comprehensive justification of the reform's rationale is also required, highlighting its potential to improve health system performance, along with recommendations for implementation and sustainability.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Recommended text(s)
Duckett S. (2022). The Australian Health Care System (6th ed.). Australia: Oxford University Press.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with general participation in this unit. Workplace Health and Safety protocols associated with computer use will apply.
You are expected to communicate in ways that are professional and respectful of others in all interactions. Please refer to QUT guidelines on communication.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PQ31 Graduate Certificate in Health Management and Leadership
- Apply health management and leadership theories to inform and develop professional practice in complex situations
Relates to: ULO2, Report - Critically analyse emergent issues and research in uncertain and complex health environments to inform effective solutions
Relates to: ULO1, ULO3, ULO4, Compare two national health systems, Report - Apply effective communication and collaboration skills to build productive relationships with a range of stakeholders to achieve common goals
Relates to: ULO5, Compare two national health systems - Plan ways to lead and influence health management decision-making that shapes policies and optimises health systems and outcomes for diverse patients and populations
Relates to: ULO4, Report
PQ77 Graduate Diploma in Health Management and Leadership
- Design innovative and strategic responses to health leadership and management challenges to improve consumer, community, organisational and system level outcomes.
Relates to: Report - Critically analyse research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Formulate strategies for culturally safe and inclusive approaches that optimise health system design and service delivery.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Plan ways to communicate, collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to co-design equitable outcomes and sustainable performance in healthcare.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems
PQ87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Design innovative and strategic responses to health leadership and management challenges to improve consumer, community, organisational and system level outcomes.
Relates to: Report - Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Formulate strategies for culturally safe and inclusive approaches to optimise health system design and service delivery.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems, Report - Communicate, collaborate and negotiate with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to co-design equitable and sustainable healthcare.
Relates to: Compare two national health systems - Critically analyse and manage the implementation, benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO1, Compare two national health systems