Health policy and planning PDF Print

Health policy and planning – 7,5 ECTS

Kyriakos Souliotis

Course Description

This course introduces students to basic principles of health and health care services and defines and analyses the factors that influence health policy design and implementation. More specifically, the course discusses the relationship between health needs and health services planning and provision, the peculiarities of the health care market, health care funding models as well as national and international experience with health care reforms. Added emphasis is placed on the theoretical and empirical analysis of the impact of economic environment on population health needs and health systems organization and delivery. The course also discusses in depth a series of advanced health policy issues, such as health promotion and disease prevention, patient empowerment in health policy decision making, addressing health professionals’ ongoing training needs, research and development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools, pharmaceutical policy, e-health, quality assurance in health services provision etc.

Objectives

The course aims to:

  • Provide postgraduate students with an in depth understanding of key and complex concepts in health and health services;
  • Introduce students to the rationale and impetus for health care reform and the need for choice and prioritization in health policy decision making, especially in the context of specific economic, political and social needs;
  • Provide students with capabilities to critically analyze individual functions of health care systems, applying principles of cross-functional analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Following course completion, post graduate students should:

  • Have an in depth knowledge on health policy and planning issues and challenges and be able to assess specific policy choices in a wider political, economic and societal context;
  • Be able to undertake research protocols related to health policy and apply contemporary tools for health policy analysis;
  • Be able to propose solutions and advocate for choices in critical health policy issues, based on international best practice and experience.

Structure

Seven (7) three-hour lectures


Students’ assessment

Students are assessed via a written exam, which includes the discussion of at least one current, critical, cross functional, health policy challenge.

Bibliography

Contiades X., Souliotis K. (eds.) (2010), Health Institutions and Policies, Department of Social and Educational Policy, University of Peloponnese / Papazisis Publications.
Souliotis K. (ed.), (2007), Health Policy and Economics: Strategic Planning – Organization and Management – Economic Function – Sectoral Policies, Department of Social and Educational Policy, University of Peloponnese / Papazisis Publications.
Souliotis K.(2000) The role of the Private Sector in the Greek NHS, Athens:Papazisis Publications
Contiades X., Souliotis K. (2005), Contemporary Challenges in Health Policy: Four Critical Legislative Interventions, Athens – Komotini: Sakkoulas Publications.
Souliotis K.(2007) Economic Inequalities and Health Policy, Athens: Papazisis Publications.
Hatziandreou E., Souliotis K. (ed.): Health Systems Reforms: International Best Practices and the Greek Reality, Papazisis Publications, Athens 2005.
Tountas Y.(2008), Health Services, Athens: Odysseas / Nea Hygeia.
Kyriopoulos J, Lionis C, Souliotis K et al. (2010), The Role of Local Governments in Public Health, Athens: Papazisis Publications.