Australian Health Care System - NURS3015

This unit of study takes a big-picture perspective to explore the political dimensions of health and healthcare in the Australian context. It focuses on the ways in which political imperatives influence conceptualisations of health and illness, and the organisation and delivery of healthcare. The structure and funding models of the Australian healthcare system are critically examined, as is the policy process and its implications for the way care is conceptualised and delivered in Australia. The unit compares the Australian system with other national health-care systems to broaden the perspective and enable students to develop their understanding of how the Australian system is situated, and perceived, internationally. Workforce issues are explored, including the various roles of healthcare professionals and the ways in which these roles, and associated inter-professional relationships, may change over time. Throughout the unit, there is an emphasis on nursing as a critically important profession within the broader healthcare arena.

Classes
13x2-hr lectures, and 8x2-hr tutorials

Assessment
Student assessment (100%) conducted throughout the semester, as advised within the relevant unit of study outline

48 Year 1 credit points and 36 Year 2 credit points