University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences CHS 340 Policy Issues in Health and Society

Transcription

1 General Course Information Instructor: Dr. Minarik Office Telephone: Office Hours: by appointment University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences CHS 340 Policy Issues in Health and Society Course Description and Pre requisites: Survey of health/social policy making, including current and future trends. Emphasis on legislation related to disease prevention, health promotion, and health care. Pre-reqs CHS 101, CHS 102, CHS 211. Course Objective: Why does a CHS Public Health student need to know about the policy system? This course explores how government and other administrative organizations, at all levels, determine our health. In the United States, the health care system is enormous, complicated, and often fragmented. Policy may be defined as a course of action adopted and pursued by a government, party, ruler, statesman, etc.; any course of action adopted as advantageous or expedient. We will consider this and other definitions of policy as related to health, the history of health policy, and current courses of action at the world, national, state, local, and organizational levels. We will also examine the recent national health reform. Mission of Community Health Sciences Our mission in the School of Community Health Sciences (public health) is to develop, disseminate, and apply knowledge with an ecological approach to protect and promote the health of populations statewide and worldwide. Student Learning Objectives (SLO) 1. Describe how federal, state, and local health policy is created with engaged interest groups. 2. Differentiate the policy interests between public good (public health) and individual rights worldwide. 3. Explain and compare the basic organization of the health care system, health insurance, and health care financing in the U.S. and other selected countries. 4. Synthesize the principles of cost, rationing, quality of care, and comparative effectiveness research in U.S. health policy.

2 5. Describe the key principles of health care reform in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). 6. Identify and critique the difference between population health and individual health and how it is affected by the ACA. 7. Explore, compare and critique the US culture, how it reflects our health policy versus other countries globally. Textbook Bodenheimer, T.S. and Grumbach, K. (2012). Understanding Health Policy: A Clinical Approach. Sixth Edition. Stamford CT: McGraw Hill/ Lange. Course Assignments Tests 4 tests two are on line and 2 will be face to face. Test 4 will be comprehensive. Quizzes Weekly quizzes on the readings some will be in class, some on line, be prepared, some at the beginning of the class, some at the end. Assignments There are 6 assignments due at various times over the semester. The intent of these are to deepen your understanding of some of the topics. A1 Topic Your health insurance A2 Topic Commonwealth Institute Global Comparison US vs. the rest of the World A3 Topic Cultural Competency in Health Care A4 Topic Health Care in Other Countries video A5 Topic Nevada Legislature and Bill Draft Analysis A6 Topic Final Reaction Synthesis In the News You will do 2 assignments due the week associated with your last name see the DB in WCL for the instructions and the weeks that you are due. You will update us on what you are seeing in the media about health policy. One needs to be an international issue. Class Participation/Attendance Your attendance and filling out your 3 x 5 notecard, being on time for class, and your active participation in LG discussions makes this an incredible learning experience for all. You are allowed 3 misses. NOTE: Late work not accepted without documented evidence of an acceptable explanation. If you are involved in ANY activity (such as sports, student government, work, etc.) that would cause you to miss class, please plan this with me AHEAD of time. 2

3 Philosophy of Education I want you to be critically thinking in this class. Our health care system is very complex and there are many challenges and solutions. Therefore, what I expect in your discussion and in your papers is your educated opinion about something and why. So, I expect to hear your opinions and others opinions as well, which do not always match. This is a good thing. Student Assessment This course is worth 625 points. This is how you will earn those points: Type of Assessment SLO Number of Points to be Earned by Student 4 tests: 50 pts. For Tests 1, 2, 3, then 100 for the Comprehensive Final pts. each pts. Each 90 In the News Updates 10 pts. Each 20 Mid Term Progress Reports Self Assessment 15 pts. Each Collaborate Participation (13) 130 Active Class Engagement 50 Total Points Possible Grades Your grades will be given based upon scoring of the assessment activities. A mid term conference will be offered on line attending will be helpful to your overall grade. Grade Percentage Your Points Earned A 94% A 90% B+ 88% B 84% B 80% C+ 78% C 74% C 70% D 60% F Below 60% 3

4 Student Services and Other Policies Veterans may also wish to check the UNR Veterans Services office for support: Cultural diversity: The Center for Student Cultural Diversity offers a number of resources for all students, while placing specific emphasis on students that self identify as African American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, American Indian and Hispanic/Latino, First Generation (neither parent holds a four year college degree), Income qualified, Multiracial/Biracial and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT) Disability Resources: If you have any disability or challenge (broadly defined) for which you will need accommodations, please contact me or Mary Zabel, Director of the UNR Disability Resource Center ( or mzabel@unr.edu) or go by the Disability Resource Center (Thompson 107) as soon as possible to arrange for accommodations. Religious observances: The instructor and students will follow the policy of the university regarding excused absences for religious holidays. Academic Success Services: Your student fees cover usage of the Math Center ( or Tutoring Center ( or and University Writing Center ( or These centers support your classroom learning; it is your responsibility to take advantage of their services. Keep in mind that seeking help outside of class is the sign of a responsible and successful student. Academic integrity: Students are encouraged to read the appropriate sections in the university s General Catalog regarding policies and procedures on academic dishonesty and to speak with the professor if there are any questions regarding these policies and procedures. Plagiarism is taken very seriously at the university. The procedures for addressing an academic integrity issue are outlined in the University's "Academic Dishonesty Procedures", which can be obtained from the Office of Student Conduct. The University requires all members of the University Community to familiarize themselves and to follow copyright and fair use requirements. You are individually and solely responsible for violations of copyright and fair use laws. The university will neither protect nor defend you nor assume any responsibility for employee or student violations of fair use laws. Violations of copyright laws could subject you to federal and state civil penalties and criminal liability, as well as disciplinary action under University policies. Required Statement on Audio and Video Recording: Surreptitious or covert video taping of class or unauthorized audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be recorded. 4

5 Course Outline and Schedule Week 1: Introduction Health Policy: What It Is Due for Class Week 1: Read Ch. 1; Article in Learning Modules (LM) Wk. 1 Week 2 HP: What Influences Policy? Political Philosophies Due for Class Week 2: Articles in LM Wk. 2; A1 (Your health insurance) Week 3 How the Health System Works in the US vs. Other Countries Due for Class: Read Ch. 11, 5, 6, 7 Week 4 Health Care Access in the US Due for Class: Read Ch. 3 and 13; Articles in LM Wk. 4 ****Test #1 Covers Weeks 1, 2, 3 Week 5 Reimbursement System in the US vs. Universal Care in Other Countries Due for Class: Read Ch. 2 and 4; A2 (Commonwealth Systems Comparison to the World) Week 6 Health Care Costs Due for Class: Read Ch. 8 *****Test 2: Covers Weeks 4, 5, 6 Week 7 Quality of Health Care: Issues in the US; QI and Variability Due for Class: Read Ch. 10; A3 (Cultural Competency in HC) 5

6 Week 8 The ACA and Health Care Reform: Ideas from Other Countries Due for Class: Read Ch. 15 and 16 Week 9 Spring Break No Classes Week 10 Solutions: Lowing Cost and Improvement in Quality of Care Due for Class: Read Ch. 9 Week 11: Week of March 30 Solutions: The Global Perspective What happens in other countries? ****Test #3 Covers Weeks 7, 9, 10 Due for Class: Read Ch. 14; A4 (Video of health care in another country) Week 12 Nevada Issues in Health Policy/Health in All Policies/Contemporary Global Issues Due for Class: Articles in LM Wk. 12; SA 2; EC Dr. John Packham; SA2 Week 13: Week of April 13 Other Cultures and Paradigms of Healing Methods; Lifestyles, Personal Choices, and Addictions Due for Class: Read Ch.16 Week 14: Week of April 20 Other Challenges: Those Whom We Tend to Overlook Politically (Seniors, Children, Mental Health, Veteran s, etc.) Due for Class: Read Ch. 12; Article in LM Wk. 14; A5 (NV Legislature and Bill Draft Analysis) 6

7 Week 15 Human Injustices and Health Disparities Due for Class: Read articles in Week LM Wk. 15; A6 (Final reaction synthesis paper) ****Test #4: Weeks plus comprehensive Week 16 Global Context in Health Reform Due for Class: Read Ch. 17 7