Registry

Module Specifications

Archived Version 2015 - 2016

Module Title
Module Code
School
Online Module Resources
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

In this module, students examine the features of the Irish health system, explore the politics of health policy making, and analyse health systems through a comparative approach.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss what is meant by a 'health system'
2. Explore the politics of health policy making
3. Describe the principal features of the Irish health system
4. Explore the factors which account for the historical development of the Irish health system
5. Critically evaluate the Irish health system by reference to matters of efficiency, effectiveness and fairness
6. Debate current proposals for the reform of the Irish health system
7. Critically analyse and evaluate the features and outcomes of health systems using a comparative approach

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Directed learning	20	A two-hour examination and related revision
Group work	20	Preparation of class presentations as part of seminars
Lecture	3	Introducing the module and drawing it together
Seminars	18	Addressing the substance of the module in a participative format
Tutorial	1	In support of examination preparation
Independent Study	63	Reading for the module
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

What is a health system?
We consider what it means to talk about a system and what constitutes a "health system."

Politics and health policy making
We examine health policy making as a political process with interacting interest groups and perspectives which have varying levels of influence. Notions of strategy and "disjointed incrementalism" are considered in this context.

The Irish health system
We explore the principal features of the Irish health system, its historical development,its performance in terms of efficiency, effectiveness, and fairness, and proposals for its reform.

Comparative analysis of health systems
We analyse and evaluate aspects of the Irish health system through comparisons with those elsewhere.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	%	Examination Weight	%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
Unavailable

Indicative Reading List

Ruth Barrington: 1987, Health, medicine & politics in Ireland, 1900-1970, Institute of Public Administration, Dublin, Ireland, 9780906980729
A. Dale Tussing,: 0, How Ireland Cares, 9781905494231
Maev-Ann Wren,: 0, Unhealthy State, 9781902602882
Adelaide Hospital Society: 2008, Social Health Insurance: Further options for Ireland, Dublin Adelaide Hospital Society; Trinity College Dublin, Dublin,
Carol Barker: 1996, The health care policy process, Sage Publications, London, 9780803976283
Sara Burke,: 0, Medical Apartheid in Ireland, 9781848400368
Sara Davies,: 0, Global Politics of Health, 9780745640426
Judith Green & Nicki Thorogood: 1998, Analysing health policy, Addison Wesley Longman, London, 9780582298019
Michael Laver: 0, Social choice and public policy, 9780631146940
McCluskey,D.: 2006, Health Policy and Practice in Ireland, University College Dublin, Dublin,
Jan Abel Olsen (Editor): 0, Principles in Health Economics and Policy, 9780199237814
Madison Powers, Ruth Faden,: 0, Social Justice: The Moral Foundations of Public Health and Health Policy, 9780195375138
Jennifer Prah Ruger,: 0, Health and Social Justice, 9780199653133
Gill Walt,: 0, Health Policy, 9781868142736

Other Resources

None

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