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Comparative Healthcare Systems


Course Description

Provides a framework for students to analyze how health care is organized and delivered in settings around the world. The course will engage students in a comparative analysis of health indicators in different countries. Students will undertake an analysis of health care delivery, financing, and workforce issues.


Athena Title

Comparative Healthcare Systems


Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in HPAM 3650E


Semester Course Offered

Offered summer semester every year.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

In this course, students will develop the ability to: • Identify the main issues of organization, financing, and delivery of healthcare systems worldwide • Compare and Contrast the characteristics of the US healthcare system with other countries • Understand the impact of history and culture on healthcare delivery and development • Analyze the various roles of government in healthcare worldwide


Topical Outline

1. Introduction to Health Systems 2. Comparing Health System Performance 3. Financing and Organization of Health Systems 4. Health Systems in North America 5. Health Systems in Europe 6. Health Systems in the Middle East and Africa 7. Health Systems in Asia and the Pacific Region 8. Health Systems throughout the World 9. Small Country Innovations 10. Health Systems in Crisis and Disaster


Syllabus