TM5526:03
Public Health Economics *
| Townsville | HECS Band 2 |
Block mode Semester 1.
Staff: Dr A Hauquitz (Coordinator).
This subject presents an introduction to economic principles as they apply to health systems. The principles discussed include: supply and demand, market structure, cost theory, efficiency, elasticity, market failure and resource allocation. Special topics vary from year to year and have addressed health insurance, casemix, expenditure for Indigenous health services and international health.
Learning Objectives:
- apply the analytical tools used by economists;
- explain the various economic cost concepts and apply these to the production of health;
- explain the market interaction of demand, supply and marketplace;
- discuss the concept of equity, efficiency and market failure;
- discuss health care choices in economic terms;
- use graphical analysis to explain economic relationships;
- use well reasoned economic arguments to support or criticise a health care proposal;
- interpret economic arguments presented in the popular press and the professional literature;
- explain the potential impact of fiscal and monetary policy on economic growth;
- understand some of the interrelationships between health and economic development.
Assessment by two quizzes (50%); a team project (25%); assignment (25%).
* Offered in even-numbered years