The overall module aim is to demonstrate an understanding of the functioning of health systems, drawing on relevant disciplinary perspectives. This will involve understanding the core building blocks of health systems and modes of operation, the implications of different approaches to system design for access, quality, and broader outcomes, and highlighting the equity impacts of different design features.
Intended learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the module, a student should be able to:
- Define the concept of a ‘health system’, and operationalise its core objectives, elements and functions in different contexts.
- Understand key global debates with regards to health systems, and major theories and research approaches related to health systems functioning.
- Drawing on a range of key approaches and models, to analyse health systems and the role of historical and political factors influencing these.
- Assess the role of different healthcare system configurations in promoting good health, access to services, equity, and economic and wider social outcomes.
- Critically appraise and apply key concepts and approaches to health systems evaluation and performance measurement, the role of policy actors, and global influences on health systems
- Designing and applying a health systems approach to major health challenges in different contexts.
Session Content
The module is expected to cover the following topics:
- What is a health system? What are the health systems for?
- What makes up a health system? Governance.
- Health system functions: Financing.
- Health system functions: Creating resources.
- Health system functions: Provision.
- People-centred health systems
- Universal coverage as a key health system goal.
- Pluralistic health systems: The role of the private/voluntary sector and challenges for access and regulation.
- Assessing health systems and their performance
Mode of delivery
This module is delivered predominantly face-to-face. Where specific teaching methods (lectures, seminars, discussion groups) are noted in this module specification these will be delivered by predominantly face-to-face sessions. There will be a combination of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as self-directed study (asynchronous learning).
The module includes a combination of lectures, seminars, assessed group activities, online discussions and self-guided learning. Students will be divided into seminar groups covering high-, -middle or low-income settings according to their preferences. The seminars are student-led (with support and guidance from the seminar leader) and will focus on practical case studies chosen to illustrate key policy issues. These will be supplemented by private study. Students running seminars will be expected to initiate and facilitate at least one discussion on Moodle or via email related to their seminar topic, as a part of their preparation.
Assessment
The overall mark will consist of: editorials (graded, 100%), and completion of three forum posts and leading one seminar (not graded).
A. Individual assessed written ‘editorial’ of up to 1500 words, including figures and tables, but excluding references. It will be written in the style of BMJ or the Lancet and examples will be provided. The topic can be selected from a list of questions provided by the module organiser or seminar leaders, or chosen by the students. The questions will draw on the concepts covered in the lectures and essential readings.
B. Each student will be expected to post a minimum of 3 posts (100 words each) as a part of an online activity (new or in response to others). These should refer clearly to particular key points from seminars or applications of the concepts covered in the relevant readings. These will be required for module completion but not assessed.
C. All students are expected to work in small groups to lead at least one seminar – this is required as an effective learning strategy and required for module completion but not assessed. Students will be provided with clear criteria to guide them in preparing their presentations.
Credits
- CATS: 15
- ECTS: 7.5
Module specification
For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.
This module is designed for students interested in Public Health, Health Policy Planning and Financing, Public Health for Development, and others.
Applications for Term 2 C2 modules are now closed. Please explore our full intensive modules list for modules which may be open for applications.