Course Description
Focuses on two or more health systems in the world. Comparisons of health systems will be made, identifying strengths and weaknesses; socio-cultural, political and economic determinants of health; and disparities, organization, delivery, and financing of those systems in combination with the national environment.
Athena Title
CMP GLB HLTH-NATION
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in HPAM 4200 or HPAM 8550
Non-Traditional Format
In-depth study abroad experience. This course will involve field experience in parallel with lecture experience. Students will have 2 hours of field experience for every equivalent 1 hour of lecture: 22.5 lecture hours, 45 field hours
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Define a health care delivery system and understand its components 2. Understand the key features of the U.S. health care system 3. Understand the key features of one or more health systems that are not the U.S. health care system 4. Critically appraise the international health system(s) in comparison to the U.S. health care system 5. Identify disparities and social, cultural, political or economic factors affecting healthcare, practice or outcomes 6. Describe specific environmental issues concerning health conditions and/or problems 7. Propose changes to the U.S. and other national health systems that improve quality, reduce cost, and reduce disparity 8. Analyze and evaluate quality and performance improvement initiatives at the system, organization and individual (provider/patient) levels 9. Demonstrate implementation strategies that utilize “systems thinking”
Topical Outline
1. Sophisticated understanding of the components of a health system 2. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of the U.S. Health System: Its strengths and weaknesses and historical origins 3. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of another health system: System structure and components and political underpinnings 4. Site visit: Ministry of Health 5. Site visit: Hospital 6. Site visit: Clinic 7. Focus on another health system: Its political underpinnings 8. Focus on another health system: Its strengths 9. Focus on another health system: Its weaknesses 10. Health Systems: Public Health vs. Medical Care 11. Site visit: Local/Regional Health Department 12. Social Determinants of Health (including environmental factors) and their impact on health systems 13. Site visit: Senior living facility, school, community center 14. Site visit: Environmental site exploration 15. Site visit: University teaching public health 16. Future directions for health systems in nations being studied