Unit Information
Unit code: HPO6003
Credit points: 12
This unit explores policy tools and regulatory mechanisms that can be used to make decisions to address the social determinants of heath and by doing so promote efficient and equitable gains in population health. Students will compare and contrast health policy with ‘healthy’ policy to highlight the critical leadership role of the health sector in promoting health in all policies. The unit explores how global and national frameworks and commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) inform public policy formulation and decision making. Students will examine the policy making process in detail including how to frame a policy issue based on evidence, how to facilitate whole of society approaches, how to formulate policy through negotiation and advocacy, how policy is implemented and enforced through regulation and legislation and how policies are evaluated and reviewed. Students will also interrogate the politics of policy development and how politics and power influence policy decision making and funding.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- Extrapolate the policymaking cycle for action on the social determinants of health.
- Critically evaluate the critical leadership role of the health sector in promoting health in all policies.
- Exhibit skills to evaluate, present and prescribe evidence for policymaking.
- Evaluate the efficacy of a government population health policy, including among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Compose policy briefs to demonstrate communication, consultation, negotiation and advocacy skills.
Contribution to a discussion board on the role of public policy in promoting and protecting health (500 words) - 10%
Evaluate the efficacy of a government population health policy. (2000 words) - 40%
Present and defend a policy brief (2500 words) - 50%
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