Health systems: Organization and financing, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course is started with a discussion of the basic tools in an economic analysis of people’s health and health care. On the basis of this, the building blocks of health systems: organisation, regulation, financing and delivery are covered. Different national health systems are examined and compared to reflect on the values used to implement them. The concept of health systems as social determinants for health, and the necessity of strengthening health systems to address inequality are also discussed.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: – explain basic concepts of health systems organisation. – explain basic concepts and relationships in microeconomic theory. – explain and summarize how one, using microeconomic theory, can analyze questions relating to people’s health and to the financing, production and organisation of health care – discuss health systems in the context of different countries – discuss the concepts “health systems and rights” and “health systems as social determinants of health”

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which at least 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. a minimum of 30 ECT. English proficiency equivalent to IELTS Academic Training – minimum score 5.0 with no individual score below (4.5) (Tests taken before January 2005 not admissible) or TOEFL – minimum score 500 on paper based test and not below 4.0 on the TWE, Alternatively 173 on computer based test with iBT 61 is also required. Language test scores are not required if you have completed a minimum of two years of studies at an accredited university or college with English as the medium of instruction or you have had one year of graduate studies and have written your thesis in English. For more information please see: http://www8.umu.se/phmed/epidemi/utbildning/mph-requirements.htm

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course is concentrated to two weeks during the course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures and group exercises. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

At the end of the course there is a written exam. For students who have not received a passing grade at the first written exam on the course, a re-sit exam is arranged. A student who fails two examinations has the right to a change of examiner according to the University’s set of rules. A request to change examiner should be sent to the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.

Other regulations

Start-of-study respite A respite for the start of studies may be granted under special circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other nursing responsibilities etc. A negative decision about start-of-study respite may be appealed to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. Course roll call Attendence is compulsory for the course roll call. A student may be relieved from this obligation only through a decision by the course coordinator and only under special circumstances. Non-attendence without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.

Academic credit transfers are always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.