COURSE DESCRIPTION

An introduction to the policy-influencing process in relation to primary health care practice, with application to health care delivery systems and health care financing issues.

Course Philosophy

This course, DHEP Health Policy/Health Care Systems, is presented as a reflection of the philosophy and goals of DHEP. The DHEP partner schools believe that interdisciplinary learning in professional education is a key ingredient of interdisciplinary collaboration in practice. The "health care team" is more important than ever in today’s complex and rapidly changing world of health care. The health needs of rural populations can best be served in an interdisciplinary primary care practice environment featuring collaboration and lifelong learning.

Primary care practitioners, whether nurse practitioners, nurse midwives or physician assistants, are looked to for leadership by the communities they serve. A firm grounding in health policy formulation and analysis and a sophisticated understanding of complex and fluid health care delivery systems prepare the primary care practitioner for leadership roles in local, state, national and international arenas.

Distance learning within an adult education framework engaging learners from several universities and disciplines provides the means for shared learning and consultation in preparation for collaborative practice as providers of primary care in remote settings.

OBJECTIVES

At the completion of the course, the student will have been given the opportunity to:

Module I - Health Policy

1. Synthesize policy research relevant to health care delivery.
2. Analyze legislative and regulatory processes of policy making.
3. Analyze interrelationships between policy and quality of care in delivery
    systems.
4. Devise strategies to influence the development of health  policy.
5. Participate in the formation of health policy, including development and
    evaluation.
6. Analyze ethical implications of policy and policy making in relation to health
    care  issues.

Module II - Health Care Delivery Systems

1. Analyze current and evolving systems of health care delivery.
2. Relate community concepts and assessment principles to the delivery of health care.
3. Incorporate cultural sensitivity and diversity into health  care delivery modes.
4. Analyze ethical dimensions of health care delivery systems.

Module III - Health Care Financing

1. Comprehend economic implications of health planning and delivery systems.
2. Analyze economic impact of clinical decisions.
3. Apply fiscal accountability in use of health care resources.
4. Analyze ethical dimensions of health care financing.