Health Systems for All

Module Aims: This module introduces key concepts in health services public health, focusing on the intersection between population health and health systems. Participants will develop an understanding of key themes including the WHO health systems building blocks and universal health coverage. The interplay between these varies globally; there is even large variation between high-income countries (HIC). The module will be particularly important for those pursuing careers in policy making, health systems research and practice.

Module Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students should be able to:
1. List the WHO health system building blocks and their interactions
2. Discuss common challenges related to the building blocks and building resilient health systems in different contexts
3. Explore examples of how population health fits within the health system building blocks
4. Debate need for universal health coverage and possible funding models
5. Understand issues around globalisation of health workforce and task shifting to support different models of community-based health responses
6. Understand the drivers of equity and access to quality health care
7. Understand importance of health information systems and how to develop a monitoring and evaluation framework.
8. Describe the challenges and examples of approaches to providing health care in face of societal disruption e.g.pandemics, natural disasters, for displaced populations, changing climate, disruption to technologies
9. Explore possible research methodologies for health systems public health
10. Consider how the changing world of technology is changing health systems now and in the future
11. Understand the roles of systems that influence health determinants and the interaction with the health system for primary prevention of disease through intersectoral collaboration

 

Pre-requisites: Principles of Public Health, Principles of Epidemiology

 

Teaching Strategy:

Teaching and learning will take place via a mix of lectures, group work and class discussions. Some reading may be required prior to some sessions. Teaching sessions will take place over four and a half days (typically 0930 to 1630). Teaching materials and resources are facilitated by Moodle, the University’s online Virtual Learning Environment. Whilst we are keen to do as much face to face teaching as possible, we will take advantage of virtual tools to widen the lecturer base and allow students to benefits from perspectives of experts around the globe.

 

Assessment:

Each student prepares an e-poster on the one learning outcome they are most interested in. Speak to their poster for a 3-minute flash talk, delivered on the last day of the module. This should be prepared during breaks and in dedicated time on the fourth day. This could be an example of how public health and health system interacts in a particular country, a comparison of two different countries, or a more in-depth look at any of the learning outcomes. Draw on concepts, frameworks, tools discussed in the module. Individual mark for understanding of concepts presented in poster/ flash talk. Module leader and one other module speaker to assess.

 

Module Length: 4 days