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Unit outline_

HPOL5008: Evidence into Health Policy and Planning

Semester 1, 2023 [Block mode] - Remote

The aim of this unit is to increase students' understanding about the links between evidence and policy and planning and to build skills for making an evidence informed case for change and implementing evidence informed policy. The unit also advances conceptualisations of evidence for policy to include citizen, consumer and community experience as evidence. The teaching of this course will include: lectures, critical appraisal workshops, guest presentations from leading policy makers and student presentations of how evidence from research can assist them to address real world issues. By the end of this unit students will be able to: Use evidence to identify areas that require policy change; Search for and critically appraise evidence for policy design and implementation; Understand key theories of the use of evidence in policy and practice; Critically analyse the role of evidence in policy and political processes; Understand citizen and community experience as evidence; Use evidence effectively in a case for policy change. Attendance at two Saturday workshops and four evening seminars is expected for students in all modes, either face-to-face or online. A proportion of the total grade (10%) will be allocated to participation across the semester in lectures, webinars and weekly discussions.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Public Health
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Prohibitions
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

No

Teaching staff

Coordinator Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s) Carmen Huckel Schneider, carmen.huckelschneider@sydney.edu.au
Andrew Wilson, a.wilson@sydney.edu.au
Gai Moore, gabriel.moore@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Assignment Systematic literature search strategy
Online written assessment
10% Week 05
Due date: 23 Mar 2023 at 23:59
1 page
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Assignment A case for change
Written assessment
30% Week 07
Due date: 06 Apr 2023 at 23:59
2000 words
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO4 LO3
Assignment Oral presentation of case for change
Oral presentation
20% Week 08
Due date: 21 Apr 2023 at 23:59
6 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO7 LO4 LO3
Assignment Submission to a government inquiry
Written assessment
40% Week 13
Due date: 25 May 2023 at 23:59
2500 words
Outcomes assessed: LO5 LO7 LO6

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an exceptional standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Distinction

75 - 84

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a very high standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Credit

65 - 74

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at a good standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Pass

50 - 64

Awarded when you demonstrate the learning outcomes for the unit at an acceptable standard, as defined in marking rubrics for individual assessments.

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

You may only use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator. If you do use these tools, you must acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section. The assessment instructions or unit outline will give guidance of the types of tools that are permitted and how the tools should be used.

Your final submitted work must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of generative AI tools that have been used in the assessment, and any material that forms part of your submission must be appropriately referenced. For guidance on how to acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the AI in Education Canvas site.

The unapproved use of these tools or unacknowledged use will be considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

Studiosity is permitted unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission as detailed on the Learning Hub’s Canvas page.

Outside assessment tasks, generative AI tools may be used to support your learning. The AI in Education Canvas site contains a number of productive ways that students are using AI to improve their learning.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Aim of this week: To critically understand the meaning of evidence-based policy and planning. Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 02 Aim of this week: To think critically about the evidence-policy relationship. Students attend an evening seminar. Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4
Week 03 Students attend an intensive 1-day workshop in this week. During the workshop, students will discuss and debate the role of evidence in policy making processes and develop skills in the critical appraisal of evidence for policy Block teaching (12 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5 LO7
Week 04 Aim of this week: To gain and practice skills in searching for and using literature in developing cases for change. Students attend an evening seminar. Online class (10 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 05 Aim of this week: To understand and critically review implementation science and its application in policy. This is essential for getting evidence into change proposals and planning. Online class (10 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 06 Aim of this week: To learn how to critically review strengths and weaknesses in cases for change. Online class (10 hr) LO2 LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 07 Aim of this week: Students work independently on their assignments - Making a case for change Independent study (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO7
Week 08 Students will attend a 1-day intensive workshop this week. Students will expand conceptualisations of evidence for policy to include consumer experience, ethical reasoning and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and experience. Students will also engage in a practice and critique of oral presentations for policy change. Block teaching (10 hr) LO5 LO6
Week 09 Aim of this week: the evidence into policy classics and understand their application in policy and planning Online class (10 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5
Week 10 Aim of this week: To gain insights into the use of evidence in public debate, including official inquiries and the media. Students attend an evening seminar. Online class (10 hr) LO5 LO6 LO7
Week 11 Aim of the week: To review and practice skills in communicating evidence for policy and planning. Students attend an evening seminar. Online class (10 hr) LO3 LO4 LO7
Week 12 Aim of this week: To examine barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence at organisational levels. Online class (10 hr) LO4 LO5 LO7
Week 13 Aim of this week: To work on final assignment: Writing a submission to a public inquiry Independent study (10 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4 LO5 LO7

Attendance and class requirements

Class requirements: Students are expected to attend two 1-day intensive compulsory workshops on-campus, online lectures, online discussions and other online activities.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Library eReserve, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. use evidence to identify areas that require policy change
  • LO2. search for, and critically appraise, evidence for policy design and implementation
  • LO3. understand key theories of the use of evidence in policy and practice
  • LO4. (critically) analyse the role of evidence in policy and political processes
  • LO5. identify facilitators and barriers to the use of evidence in policy
  • LO6. understand expanded conceptualisations of evidence for policy
  • LO7. use evidence effectively in a case for policy change.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately
1.c. providing patient-centred care, including selecting and prioritising treatment options that are compassionate and respectful of patients’ best interests, dignity and choices and which seek to improve community oral health
1.d. understanding and applying the moral, cultural, ethical principles and legal responsibilities involved in the provision of specialist dental care to individual patients, to communities and populations
1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s
1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping
1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and
3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature
4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences
4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease
4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery
4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and
4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings.
5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
5.2.b. writing reports.
LO2
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.a. recognising the personal limitations and scope of the specialty and knowing when to refer or seek advice appropriately
1.b. practising with personal and professional integrity, honesty and trustworthiness
1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and
4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease
4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery
4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and
4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings.
5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
5.2.b. writing reports.
LO3
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and
3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature
4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences
4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck
4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease
4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery
4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and
4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings.
5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
5.2.b. writing reports.
LO4
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and
3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
4.1.a. historical and contemporary literature
4.1.b. the scientific basis of dentistry including the relevant biological, medical and psychosocial sciences
4.1.c. development, anatomy, physiology and pathology of hard and soft tissues of the head and neck
4.1.d. the range of investigative, technical and clinical procedures, and
4.1.e. management and treatment planning with multidisciplinary engagement for complex cases, including compromised patients.
4.2.a. the epidemiology of oral health and disease
4.2.b. the principles of oral health service delivery
4.2.c. the principles of public health research oral disease prevention at a population level, and
4.2.d. the analysis of oral health needs and services in community and public health settings.
5.1.a. applying decision-making, clinical reasoning and judgement to develop a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan by interpreting and correlating findings from the history, clinical examinations, imaging and other diagnostic tests
5.1.b. managing complex cases, including compromised patients with multidisciplinary management, and
5.1.c. managing complications.
5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
5.2.b. writing reports.
LO5
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.a. identifying and understanding a patient’s, or their parent’s, guardian’s or carer’s expectations, desires and attitudes when planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.b. communicating effectively with patients, their families, relatives and carers in a manner that takes into account factors such as their age, intellectual development, social and cultural background
2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
3.a. critically evaluating scientific research and literature, products and techniques to inform evidence-based specialist practice, and
3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
5.1.c. managing complications.
5.2.a. designing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating population oral health programs, and
5.2.b. writing reports.
LO6
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.e. displaying appropriate professional behaviour and communication towards all members of the dental team and referring health practitioner/s
1.f. understanding and applying legislation including that related to record-keeping
1.g. demonstrating specialist professional growth and development through research and learning
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
LO7
Public Health Dentistry - DBA
1.h. supporting the professional development and education for all members of the dental and/or health community, and
1.i. demonstrating leadership in the profession.
2.c. use of technological and telecommunication aids in planning and delivering specialist treatment
2.d. communicating effectively in all forms of health and legal reporting, and
2.e. interpreting and communicating knowledge, skills and ideas.
3.b. synthesising complex information, problems, concepts and theories.
5.2.b. writing reports.

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Following feedback from students, four evening seminars were introduced to enhance opportunities for contact and connection with lecturers and fellow students and to reduce the burden of two-day intensive workshops. Block mode students now have two 1-day intensive Workshops. The new format has been well received by students who confirmed that it improved their learning experience.

More information can be found on Canvas.

Additional costs

There are no additional costs for this unit.

Site visit guidelines

There are no site visit guidelines for this unit.

Work, health and safety

There are no specific WHS requirements for this unit.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.