PHMS 530

Comparative Health Systems

This course examines health delivery and public health systems from a global perspective. The course focuses on teaching students to describe elements of these systems, the environment in which the systems exist, and the internal and external forces through which systems change. Although the structure of different health systems vary, most also have substantial similarities especially in the areas of improving access and quality, while minimizing costs. The course focuses on health systems, using examples of health systems in different countries to demonstrate system similarities and differences. The course will provide a framework for analyzing different models of organizing health care and public health in settings around the world. The course will engage students in examining health systems outside the United States, focusing specifically on how a country's history, geography, government, and economy influence the delivery of health services. Students will apply these skills in a semester-long group project involving the analysis of a selected country's health system, its performance factors affecting performance and structure, and opportunities for reform

Units: 3.0