Code
HEAL5005
Credits
25
Graduate Attributes
This unit focuses on the improvement of health service delivery and overall health system performance to better meet the health needs of the population. Students explore strategies for aligning health services and resources to meet the changing patterns of 1) the health needs of the population, and 2) the health system environment. The unit is developed for managers both at the strategic and operational levels of the health system. It aims to facilitate the development of skills and competences in health services management and administration with a particular focus on the management function of planning in the context of the ever-changing health system environment. The unit covers the core concepts and theoretical models of planning, evaluation, population’s health, strategic management and multisectoral collaboration. It also includes hands-on application of planning and evaluation tools using real country case studies and heath industry work-based scenarios. The content follows the planning cycle as a rational and iterative process of analyzing the health system as the planning context; identifying priority health needs of the population; developing goals, objectives and strategies; commissioning of services, resource allocation and budgeting for health services; and managing implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Given that health system planning is a political process just as much it is technical; the unit facilitates development of political skills in negotiation and advocating for population’s heath as well as engaging with relevant stakeholders through partnerships and multisectoral collaborations. The unit also facilitates development of management skills and competencies in defining the evaluation scope; application of appropriate evaluation types, designs and methods; planning for and managing the evaluation process using a range of approaches and tools. By linking planning and evaluation as interrelated and embedded processes, the unit promotes evidence-based practice in managing systems and services for improving the health of the population.
Workshop
3 hrs Weekly
Unit Learning Outcomes
- 1 analyze priority health needs for planning purposes
- 2 apply techniques of health planning at both the strategic and operational planning levels of the health system
- 3 critique the conditions for successful implementation of health plans
- 4 interpret and critically evaluate indicators for health plans
Course Learning Outcomes
- 1 apply knowledge in key areas of nutrition; integrate research principles into practice and extend knowledge of food and nutrition issues
- 2 critically review literature and reflect on issues to generate innovative solutions for issues arising in human nutrition
- 3 appraise a range of data for assessing health status of individuals, groups and populations to inform future outcomes
- 4 collaborate with clients, carers and health care teams; document appropriately to the discipline
- 5 critique and apply appropriate technologies used in food and nutrition programs
- 6 articulate reflective practice in the acquisition of knowledge and skills related to own dietetic practice and career development
- 7 apply global perspective to nutrition causes and treatment of chronic diseases
- 8 demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity in local and international contexts; recognise the importance of communicating in a culturally respectful way
- 9 establish and maintain ethical and professional practices in the workplace; develop collaborative relationships and networks to advocate for individuals, groups and the profession; demonstrate professional leadership and practices to promote nutrition.
Assessment Breakdown