Comparative Health Care Systems ((3 Credits))

Catalog description

This course provides a framework for analyzing and comparing the philosophical, policy, and economic foundations of selected health care systems around the world. The history, societal values, financing, and organization of those systems – including those from the highly industrialized sector as well as developing nations – will be examined and compared to that of the U.S. health care system. Students will explore the advantages and disadvantages of the various health care systems, focusing on the role of government; the broad landscape involving the systems’ relationships among cost, access, and quality; sociological implications that influence the role of the provider and consumer; effectiveness at serving their populations’ health and wellness needs; and their ability to identify determinants of health and strive for continuous improvement in outcomes. Public and social policy implications that have relevance to the U.S. model will be examined.