Advanced Issues in Health Policy PDF Print

ΕΕ15 -Advanced Issues in Health Policy

Tutor: Kyriakos Souliotis

Semester: 8th
ECTS: 4.5

Short Description:

This course is delivered through independent seminars on specific issues of health policy, during which students participate in an advanced discussion on how to address and resolve current health policy challenges. The course looks into the impact of the economic crisis on the population’s health needs, issues relating to mental health and dependence, healthcare for vulnerable population groups such as immigrants and prisoners, combating the stigma related to living with some health conditions, rules and regulations relating to clinical trials and bioethics, legislation on privacy of personal data and safeguarding health records, etc. One section of the course is dedicated to patient education and patient advocacy, disease management and patient compliance to treatment and its impact on health outcomes.

Aims:

The course aims to:

  • Provide students with an advanced understanding of specific areas of and challenges for health policy and health services;
  • Familiarise students with sectoral health policies and interventions;
  • Provide students with the competence to critically analyse individual functions of health systems, applying principles of cross-functional analysis.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of the course, students should:

  • Have an in-depth understanding of specific health policy areas and challenges and be able to assess choices in health policy relating to a wider political, economic and social context;
  • Be able to participate in research protocols relating to specific issues in health policy and apply contemporary tools for health policy analysis;
  • Be able to propose solutions and advocate for choices in critical, specific issues in health policy, based on international best practice and experience.

Structure:

The course runs over 13 independent, three-hour seminar-type lectures. Course presentations are in PowerPoint format and are made available to students throughout the semester. Students are also requested to familiarise themselves with complex methodological research and analysis tools, customised to specific health policy issues.

Assessment:

Students are assessed on the basis of a research essay on a subject of their interest. Students are split into teams and each team is allocated a research subject of their choice. Course lecturer is responsible for monitoring overall essay progress, based on an ongoing review of essay drafts / interim reports submitted by each student team.

Bibliography:

  • Contiades X., Souliotis K. (eds.) (2010): Health Institutions and Policies, Department of Social and Educational Policy, University of Peloponnese / Papazisis, Athens.
  • Golna C., Contiades X., Souliotis K. (2005): Pharmaceutical Policy in Greece and Europe – Function of the Market and Regulatory Framework, Papazisis, Athens.
  • Kyriopoulos J., Lionis C., Souliotis K., Tsakos G. (eds.) (2003): Quality in Health Services, Themelio, Athens.
  • Kyriopoulos J, Lionis C, Souliotis K et al (2010): The Role of Local Governments in Public Health, Papazisis, Athens.
  • Tountas Y. (2000): Society and Health, Odysseas / Nea Hygeia, Athens
  • Tountas Y. (2008): Health Services, Odysseas / Nea Hygeia, Athens
  • Yfantopoulos J. (2003): Health Economics: Theory and Policy, Dardanos, Athens