This course provides a foundation for understanding the contribution of formal US healthcare services to the nation's health. Content includes how the healthcare system is structured, how care is organized, delivered, financed and regulated. Major challenges that impact healthcare cost, quality and access are examined with underpinnings of social justice and impact on communities served. Emphasis is placed on quality, patient safety and information technology as center pieces of the modern health care environment.
Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1) Distinguish the roles, functions and responsibilities of healthcare system components (ie, delivery, financing and regulation); 2) Analyze the interaction of social; political and economic forces shaping healthcare delivery and their impact on cost, quality and access; 3) Compare the organization of multiple healthcare delivery structures to the effectiveness of meeting population health needs; 4) Analyze factors influencing trends in healthcare quality and patient safety.
Outcomes: Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to: 1) Distinguish the roles, functions and responsibilities of healthcare system components (ie, delivery, financing and regulation); 2) Analyze the interaction of social; political and economic forces shaping healthcare delivery and their impact on cost, quality and access; 3) Compare the organization of multiple healthcare delivery structures to the effectiveness of meeting population health needs; 4) Analyze factors influencing trends in healthcare quality and patient safety.