Course Syllabus

MOOC - International Health Systems
Dr. Bernardo Ramirez

Syllabus

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Course Information:

Course Description

This Course allows students to examine social, economic, and political determinants of health care systems and the evolution of various systems around the world over the last few decades. Students will compare theories of health policy and priorities, models of government intervention in providing health care and insurance, systems of remuneration, financing, planning, manpower, education and training. Students will review the major determinants of health status; international development and social change around the world and reflect on how it applies to our own health care system and society.

The roles of different types of international health organizations will be defined and examined, including financing institutions, implementing institutions, research entities, technical support entities, coordinating bodies, and private and non-governmental voluntary organizations.

The emphasis of the course will be on health management strategies used in different countries and healthcare systems to mobilize, allocate, and maintain resources to improve the health care status and delivery systems.

The students will analyze and relate the competencies needed to be an effective healthcare manager in a multicultural and global environment to the effective management of health services in his or her community.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an expanded understanding of healthcare systems in a global perspective and the main differences between the USA healthcare system and other systems around the world.
• Describe the basic principles and characteristics that define healthcare systems and health policy issues in the international arena.
• Explain the main characteristics and roles of international organizations.
• Appreciate the competencies needed to be an effective healthcare manager in a multicultural and global environment.

 Required and Recommended Materials

   Skolnik R. (2011) Global Health 101 (2^nd. edition), Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett Pub. ISBN: 978-0-7637-9751-5

Supplemental texts

Given the dynamic nature of all international healthcare systems, the students will review current country data and policy issues on articles, international publications and the Internet. The suggested textbook will serve as a reference to understand the framework of analysis of international healthcare systems.

Recommended (Not required):

• Fried B. & Gaydos L. (2012) World Health Systems: Challenges and Perspectives. Second Edition. Health Administration Press. Chicago, IL. ISBN 13: 978-1-56793-420-5

General Resources for On-Line Learning:

• Orientation program: In conjunction with the http://learn.ucf.edu Web site.
• Library: instruction on use of the Internet for research: http://library.ucf.edu/.
• Distance learning and on-line courses: http://distrib.ucf.edu/. 

Attendance Policy:

This course is web-based, fully online and considered a "W" course. Students are expected to complete and participate in all online activities and assignments.

Participation in online discussions is considered similar to attendance in a face-to-face class. Participation in discussion groups is an absolute requirement. Once a discussion opportunity is missed, it is difficult to make up. Assignments that are not turned into CANVAS by the due date will receive 0 points.

Other circumstances, which may be considered “unavoidable”, include medical or legal emergencies. Pertinent documentation, deemed acceptable by the instructor, will be required for any excused absence from a discussion group or delayed assignment. 

Academic Honesty:

Plagiarism and Cheating of any kind on a quiz or assignment will result in zero points for that assignment (and may, depending on the severity of the case, lead to a dismissal for the entire course).  For further information, please visit the UCF Golden Rule. I will assume for this course that you will adhere to the academic creed of this University and will maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. I will also adhere to the highest standards of academic integrity, so please do not ask me to change (or expect me to change) your assignment assessment points or to bend or break rules for one person that will not apply to everyone.

This syllabus and the content of the course are subject to change at the discretion of the Instructor. Please check back frequently as this is a dynamic environment!