Health System Planning
PostgraduateCUR-HTHM8072023
Previously CUR-HTHM803
Course information for 2023 intake
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- No ATAR needed, No prior study
- Duration
- 14 weeks
- Loan available
- FEE-HELP available
Health System Planning
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- analyze priority health needs for planning purposes
- apply techniques of health planning at both the strategic and operational planning levels of the health system
- critique the conditions for successful implementation of health plans
- interpret and critically evaluate indicators for health plans
- Fundamentals of planning and evaluation
- The suitability of the planned program
- The feasibility of the planned program
- Program planning
- Implementing and controlling
- Introduction to program evaluation
- Planning and managing an evaluation
- Evaluation designs
- Evaluation perspectives
- Data collection and analysis
This subject was previously known as HTHM803 Principles of Health Planning and Evaluation.
This subject focuses on the improvement of health service delivery and overall health system performance to better meet the health needs of the population. Students explore strategies for aligning health services and resources to meet the changing patterns of 1) the health needs of the population, and 2) the health system environment. The subject is developed for managers both at the strategic and operational levels of the health system. It aims to facilitate the development of skills and competences in health services management and administration with a particular focus on the management function of planning in the context of the ever-changing health system environment. The subject covers the core concepts and theoretical models of planning, evaluation, population’s health, strategic management and multisectoral collaboration. It also includes hands-on application of planning and evaluation tools using real country case studies and heath industry work-based scenarios. The content follows the planning cycle as a rational and iterative process of analyzing the health system as the planning context; identifying priority health needs of the population; developing goals, objectives and strategies; commissioning of services, resource allocation and budgeting for health services; and managing implementation, monitoring and evaluation. Given that health system planning is a political process just as much it is technical; the subject facilitates development of political skills in negotiation and advocating for population’s heath as well as engaging with relevant stakeholders through partnerships and multisectoral collaborations. The subject also facilitates development of management skills and competencies in defining the evaluation scope; application of appropriate evaluation types, designs and methods; planning for and managing the evaluation process using a range of approaches and tools. By linking planning and evaluation as interrelated and embedded processes, the subject promotes evidence-based practice in managing systems and services for improving the health of the population.
Please Note: If it’s your first time studying a Curtin University subject you’ll need to complete their compulsory ‘Academic Integrity Program’. It only takes two hours to complete online, and provides you with vital information about studying with Curtin University. The Academic Integrity Program is compulsory, so if it’s not completed your subject grades will be withheld.
Find out more about the Academic Integrity module.
- Context and Priority Needs Analysis Report (20%)
- Health Plan (40%)
- Case Study 2 (40%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
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Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
CUR-HTHM803 (Not currently available)
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
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Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.
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