Unit Code: HSM703

Unit Name: Health Policy and Planning in the Pacific

Description: HSM703 introduce theory, models and concepts in policy development. The course emphasizes power and process in the study of making health policies. It views these two themes as integral to understanding policy making. Who makes and implement policy decision and how decisions are made largely determine the content of the health policy and, thereby ultimately people’s health. Particular emphasis will be placed on health policies of Pacific nations. Discussions will also pertain to what is happening globally in terms of policy initiatives to bridge the gap between increasing demands in health care and scarcity of resources. Topics that will be covered include theories that influence policy development, influence political system and power in policy process, policy development in the Pacific, policy development internationally and policy evaluation. Sequence of policy development events is imperative to the students for better understanding of the process involved and its applicability to them as future health care professionals.

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to : 1. Explain the meaning of policy, how it is developed and the dilemma in developing the policy. 2. Discuss the theories, models and concepts of policy development 3. Analyze health policy initiatives regionally and internationally between rising demands in health care and resource scarcity. 4. Evaluate theories that influence policy development 5. Explore political and power impacting on policy development. 6. Investigate policy development in various countries of the Pacific and Internationally 7. Examine policy evaluation – Internationally and in the Pacific.

Prerequisite: NA

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 15

Offered In: Semester 1