Comparative Health Systems
Course Name: Comparative Health Systems
Description: The course on Comparative Health Systems will give students an opportunity to learn how the US health system compares with those in several other developed and emerging countries. The course will present the key components of a well-functioning health system. The fundamental principles include a robust financing mechanism; a well-trained and adequately paid workforce; reliable information on which to base decisions and policies; well-maintained facilities and logistics to deliver quality medicines and technologies. Furthermore, the ethical basis, the rights and the entitlements of populations to health care will be covered. In this context, the health systems of developed economies in different regions will be introduced. The countries covered are USA and Canada (North America); Italy, UK and Switzerland (Europe); Brazil (Latin America); Japan and Singapore (Asia). The need for comparing the health systems and the challenges in dealing with different countries, varying in their demographic, social, cultural and economic circumstances will be addressed. In order to draw meaningful conclusions, clearly defined performance indicators, and metrics will be elaborated to define the conceptual framework needed for credible international comparisons. This course will equip students with systematic ways of assessing the performance of health systems and benchmarking performance across countries.
Credit hours: 3
Prerequisites: None