PUBH6003 Health Systems And Economics: Assessment 2 Answer

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

Subject Code and Title: PUBH6003 Health systems and Economics

Assessment:Assessment 2 Group Case Study Presentation: Health Systems and Economics

Individual/Group: Group presentation and individual written submissions

Length: -20 minute group presentation and submission of PowerPoint slides; and -1,000 word case study summary; and -Completed self and peer evaluation form

Learning Outcomes: This assessment addresses the following learning outcomes: 2. Understand the core competencies of public health workers, and how public health competencies can be fostered. 3. Understand the rationale for and development of universal health coverage. 4. Analyse public health expenditure estimation strategies. 5. Understand the role of government regulation of the healthcare sector. 6. Analyse the demand for and supply of health services, factors that influence these, and equity issues in resource allocation. 7. Understand basic principles of health economic analysis and how it can be used to further public health goals.

 Total – 45% consisting of: 25% - Presentation and case study summary 20% - Self and peer evaluation form

Total Marks: 35% 

Instructions: 100 marks

Context: 

For Assessment 2, you will give a group presentation on the public health system in a country of your choosing, other than your own. Having the opportunity to research a particular country’s healthcare system will facilitate your understanding of the interdependent relationship between economics, health care and public health. You can begin to get an understanding of the way a country perceives health and well-being by examining the areas to which resources are allocated, how efficiently they are managed, and how effective they are in terms of health care outcomes.

Assessment Description:

In your presentation, you are expected to discuss the following issues: 1. How the public health system is both organised and funded. As part of this, describe the following: (a) The percentage of Gross Domestic Product spent upon health and how this compares with Australia (or another country); (b) Where the money to fund this system comes from; (c) How expenditures for public health services, including prevention programs, are estimated. (d) What the mix of public and private expenditure and services is; (e) Whether a proportion of funding comes from development assistance for health or any form of innovative financing; (f) The underlying trends (demographic, changes in treatment, or technology) which help to explain expenditure; (g) The extent to which health coverage is universal. (h) Any economic levers that are used , or could be used, to achieve better health outcomes in your chosen country.

1. How your chosen country performs in terms of the key elements or building blocks of the health system (as identified by WHO 2007; 2009) e.g. are there key workforce shortages in a particular profession and how might imbalances be addressed; and is the workforce appropriately trained to develop core competencies?
2. Explain what cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis are and how they could be used to assist with resource allocation in relation to analysing the health system (you are not expected to perform the analysis, but you are required to understand these key concepts and say how you might go about the analysis). Additionally, describe a potential health system reform you could implement in your chosen country to improve weaknesses in the system.

Assessment criteria: 

Demonstrates the ability to interpret and analyse relevant concepts and literature on universal health coverage, health systems, core competencies in public health and cost-benefit analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. (30%) Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge and understanding of health systems and core competencies in public health to a case example. (15%) Critical analysis of key health system issues for the selected country. (20%) Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of health economics including health expenditure estimation, resource allocation issues, economic levers and equity considerations. (10%) Understanding and analysis of equity principles in health economics. (10%) Addresses General assessment criteria: (15%) - Uses key readings and shows evidence of reading beyond the key reading. - There is a lucid introduction and clear conclusion or summary - Complies with normal academic of referencing and bibliographical details (including reference list, use APA style). - Is written clearly with accurate spelling, grammar and sentence and paragraph construction.