EFQ423 Health Economics: Applications and Policy
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: | EFQ423 |
|---|---|
| Antirequisite(s): | PUN211 |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $3,444 |
Unit Outline: Session 2 2025, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | EFQ423 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | PUN211 |
Overview
This unit provides a strategic overview of resource allocation, health-related behaviour and economic evaluation in the health and health care markets, which is fundamental knowledge for health managers and those aspiring to work in health policy roles. The management of resources, whether they are financial, material or human, are critical elements of the role of a health service manager.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of resource allocation and their relevance for contemporary health-related issues, as well as the conceptual basis and outputs of economic research
- Apply principles of economic efficiency in the analysis and evaluation of health care issues
- Recognise the biases in health-related behaviour among patients and healthcare providers in making policy decisions
- Critically analyse and evaluate economic and financial management aspects of health service delivery to support reasoning and decision making
Content
Major topics of study include:
Economics of heath and healthcare - including basic economic concepts and principles (such as cost and value, price mechanism, information asymmetry, principal agent problem); health care system objectives, economic characteristics of the health care market; demand and production of health and health behaviours, with particular reference to mental health issues, among various socio-economic and cultural groups including Indigenous Australians.
Health economic evaluation - general concepts and economic appraisal techniques (cost minimisation, cost effectiveness, cost utility and cost benefit analysis) and their application in the evaluation of healthcare programs, drug therapies and health technology.
Behavioural Economics Approach - understanding the basic concepts of behavioural economics pertaining to health behaviour of individuals, why some health interventions and regulations work and some don't; the 'irrationality' of health decision-making and its implications; evidence of behavioural interventions from around the world to improve health outcomes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit will be available in online mode. The unit will be delivered through online modules that include selected readings from textbook, and peer-reviewed journal and contemporary news articles. Learning will be facilitated by an Online Learning Advisor using the content developed by a subject area expert.
The unit offers diverse perspectives (a real world learning design feature) through incorporating perspectives from different cultures and practices on relevant topics on healthcare and encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to share their own viewpoints in online discussions.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with written feedback on each assessment.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
There are two (2) online assessments to be completed throughout the semester. The assessments will test your understanding and application of knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts of economics and how they are applied to address real world health care issues and problems. The final assessment will integrate your knowledge and understanding through an in depth critical economic evaluation of a specific health care initiative. This assessment also simulates analysis, policy evaluation and recommendation typically provided by health economists in a state or federal health department.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Short-Answer Type
Students will analyse a range of health care issues from an economic perspective.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
Assessment: Case Study
You will critically examine a case study of economic evaluation of a specific initiative in the health care system.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
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
Other
You will be provided with specific materials and information about reference texts at the commencement of the unit. Additional reference materials may be provided throughout the unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PQ77 Graduate Diploma in Health Management and Leadership
- Apply operational management skills to plan, organise and supervise internal organisational processes required for achieving high performance.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse the benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study
PQ87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Apply operational management skills to plan, organise and supervise internal organisational processes required for achieving high performance.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: ULO3, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse and manage the implementation, benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study
Unit Outline: Session 4 2025, QUT Online, Online
| Unit code: | EFQ423 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Anti-requisite: | PUN211 |
Overview
This unit provides a strategic overview of resource allocation, health-related behaviour and economic evaluation in the health and health care markets, which is fundamental knowledge for health managers and those aspiring to work in health policy roles. The management of resources, whether they are financial, material or human, are critical elements of the role of a health service manager.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of the principles of resource allocation and their relevance for contemporary health-related issues, as well as the conceptual basis and outputs of economic research
- Apply principles of economic efficiency in the analysis and evaluation of health care issues
- Recognise the biases in health-related behaviour among patients and healthcare providers in making policy decisions
- Critically analyse and evaluate economic and financial management aspects of health service delivery to support reasoning and decision making
Content
Major topics of study include:
Economics of heath and healthcare - including basic economic concepts and principles (such as cost and value, price mechanism, information asymmetry, principal agent problem); health care system objectives, economic characteristics of the health care market; demand and production of health and health behaviours, with particular reference to mental health issues, among various socio-economic and cultural groups including Indigenous Australians.
Health economic evaluation - general concepts and economic appraisal techniques (cost minimisation, cost effectiveness, cost utility and cost benefit analysis) and their application in the evaluation of healthcare programs, drug therapies and health technology.
Behavioural Economics Approach - understanding the basic concepts of behavioural economics pertaining to health behaviour of individuals, why some health interventions and regulations work and some don't; the 'irrationality' of health decision-making and its implications; evidence of behavioural interventions from around the world to improve health outcomes.
QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)
The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.
Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
3.2 Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.
Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.
Learning Approaches
The unit will be available in online mode. The unit will be delivered through online modules that include selected readings from textbook, and peer-reviewed journal and contemporary news articles. Learning will be facilitated by an Online Learning Advisor using the content developed by a subject area expert.
The unit offers diverse perspectives (a real world learning design feature) through incorporating perspectives from different cultures and practices on relevant topics on healthcare and encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to share their own viewpoints in online discussions.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be provided with written feedback on each assessment.
Assessment
Overview
General Assessment Information
There are two (2) online assessments to be completed throughout the semester. The assessments will test your understanding and application of knowledge of the underlying principles and concepts of economics and how they are applied to address real world health care issues and problems. The final assessment will integrate your knowledge and understanding through an in depth critical economic evaluation of a specific health care initiative. This assessment also simulates analysis, policy evaluation and recommendation typically provided by health economists in a state or federal health department.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Short-Answer Type
Students will analyse a range of health care issues from an economic perspective.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
Assessment: Case Study
You will critically examine a case study of economic evaluation of a specific initiative in the health care system.
This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.
Formative or Summative: Summative
Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.1, 1.2), HO (2.1, 2.2)
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
Other
You will be provided with specific materials and information about reference texts at the commencement of the unit. Additional reference materials may be provided throughout the unit.
Risk Assessment Statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks in this unit except for those associated with substantial computer-based work. You should ensure that you take regular rest breaks when engaging in prolonged computer-based work.
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.PQ77 Graduate Diploma in Health Management and Leadership
- Apply operational management skills to plan, organise and supervise internal organisational processes required for achieving high performance.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse the benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study
PQ87 Master of Health Management and Leadership
- Apply operational management skills to plan, organise and supervise internal organisational processes required for achieving high performance.
Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critique and engage in research to inform ethical, evidence-based health management and policy decisions.
Relates to: ULO3, Short-Answer Type, Case Study - Critically analyse and manage the implementation, benefits and risks of contemporary and emerging health technologies.
Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Short-Answer Type, Case Study