HSH766 - Economics and Health Policy Analysis
Unit details
| Year | 2027 unit information |
|---|---|
| Enrolment modes | Trimester 1: Burwood (Melbourne), Online |
| Credit point(s) | 1 |
| EFTSL value | 0.125 |
| Unit chair | Trimester 1: Lauren Sheppard |
| Prerequisite | M703: One of HSH717 or MBA703 or MPE781 All other students: One of HSH717 or MPE781 |
| Corequisite | Nil |
| Incompatible with | Nil |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - on-campus unit enrolment | 1 x 2 hour on-campus seminar per week |
| Educator-facilitated (scheduled) learning activities - online unit enrolment | 1 x 2 hour online seminar per week |
| Typical study commitment | Students will on average spend 150 hours over the teaching period undertaking the teaching, learning and assessment activities for this unit. |
Content
This unit will enable the student to undertake analysis of contemporary issues in health policy from an economic perspective. It will build on the fundamental economic concepts of markets, competition and efficiency learned in HSH717 Health Economics 1. Understanding the role of government and the concept of equity as it relates to health and health care will provide a framework for analysis of health policy issues. Factors impacting on the supply and demand for health and health care professionals will be explored, in the context of contemporary issues such as ageing, rising prevalence of chronic disease, technology-driven care, health care inflation, and disability care. Health service performance will also be analysed against performance measures such as efficiency, equity, access and health outcomes.
Learning outcomes
| ULO | These are the Unit Learning Outcomes (ULOs) for this unit. At the completion of this unit, successful students can: | Alignment to Deakin Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) |
|---|---|---|
| ULO1 | Analyse the concept of equity in the context of health and health care. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO2 | Analyse the alternative options for healthcare organisation and delivery in the context of both efficiency and equity. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO3 | Evaluate the impact of regulation on the organisation, delivery and pricing of health services. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO4 | Discuss current issues in health care and analyse the challenges they represent to the health care system. | GLO2: Communication |
| ULO5 | Compare and contrast the performance of the public and private sectors in health care delivery according to supply and demand; efficiency and equity. | GLO1: Discipline-specific knowledge and capabilities |
| ULO6 | Critically appraise the options for health system reform, including resource allocation models, coordinated care and managed competition. | GLO4: Critical thinking |
Note – From 2026, Deakin commenced introducing Graduate Attributes (GAs), which define the distinctive characteristics of a Deakin graduate. You may notice some units still refer to Graduate Learning Outcomes (GLOs) during this transition period.
Assessment
| Assessment description | Student output | Grading and weighting (% total mark for unit) | Indicative due week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment 1: In-trimester exercises (including seminar participation) | Weekly exercises | 30% |
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| Assessment 2: In-class student presentation and peer review | 3 - 5 minute oral presentation and feedback to peers | 30% |
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| Assessment 3: Essay | 2000 words | 40% |
|
The assessment due weeks provided may change. The Unit Chair will clarify the exact assessment requirements, including the due date, at the start of the teaching period.
Learning resource
The texts and reading list for HSH766 can be found via the University Library.
Note: Select the relevant trimester reading list. Please note that a future teaching period's reading list may not be available until a month prior to the start of that teaching period so you may wish to use the relevant trimester's prior year reading list as a guide only.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
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Unit fee information
Fees and charges vary depending on the type of fee place you hold, your course, your commencement year, the units you choose to study and their study discipline, and your study load.
Tuition fees increase at the beginning of each calendar year and all fees quoted are in Australian dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees do not include textbooks, computer equipment or software, other equipment or costs such as mandatory checks, travel and stationery.
For further information regarding tuition fees, other fees and charges, invoice due dates, withdrawal dates, payment methods visit our Current Students website.