Course overview
In this course, students will explore the policy environment and political landscapes that influence policy making in health, and the use of advocacy, evidence and policy instruments for improving population health. This includes policy making structures in the Australian context; levels and roles of governments in Australia; policy, legislation, regulation and governance in relation to health programs and services; power differentials in the development and acceptance of health policies; introduction to advocacy; Health in All Policies approach to improving population health; implementing policy; introduction to health economics and principles of economic evaluation; population health policies and programs; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health policies and programs.
Course learning outcomes
- Explain how organisational, legislative and regulatory structures and service delivery systems influence population health and wellbeing through policy.
- Describe the range of factors that influence health policy development and its implementation.
- Analyse the feasibility of a population level public health policy.
- Explain the principles of economic evaluation to public health programs, and Aboriginal programs, focusing on the allocation of resources relative to need.
- Evaluate population health activities with respect to ethical principles including maleficence, beneficence, equity and justice.