Health Economics and Financial Management of Public and Private Health ServicesModule Details

Rationale

This course is indispensable for future healthcare professionals as it provides them with essential knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of health economics and financial management. Understanding these principles is crucial for effective resource allocation, enabling students to make informed decisions on costing, budgeting, and financial planning within healthcare organisations where resources are scarce. Moreover, the course explores the ethical considerations of economic prioritisation in healthcare service provision, equipping students to balance financial constraints with the imperative for equitable and high-quality care. Additionally, students develop proficiency in economic evaluation and cost analysis, fostering data-driven decision-making in resource allocation and healthcare service delivery. 

The aim of this course is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of health economics and financial management in healthcare services and cultivate ethical, knowledgeable, and resource-efficient healthcare professionals ready to address the challenges of the healthcare industry.

Learning Outcomes

 At the end of the course, students will be expected to:
(i)    Analyse the impact of the health sector on economic aggregates, considering its role in national and regional economies.
(ii)   Evaluate the organisation and financing of healthcare in modern societies, explaining how it affects social inequalities.
(iii)  Develop strategic plans for health services at local and national levels, considering resource allocation and population needs.
(iv)  Apply microeconomic principles to understand the cost-effectiveness of healthcare interventions and drug markets.
(v)   Assess the factors influencing health status across populations in developed and developing countries using economic analysis methods.