HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS, POLICY, AND SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH

Catalog description

Using case scenarios, dynamic presentations, and small group discussions, students explore a variety of topics related to public health infrastructure, healthcare systems, accessibility to healthcare services, payment/insurance systems, value-based care, a nd growing movement towards preventive health. Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) are examined in context to the health of society and the provision of PT services, including the role of physical therapists to recognize and address the impact of structur al racism on health and access to services. Students investigate and reflect on the impact of poverty, race, genetics, lifestyle, behavior, and the environment (air quality, global warming, water quality, pesticides, etc) on health and chronic disease. Stu dents analyze the impact of health policies on the health of communities and populations, including rural, urban, and other entities (reservations, VA). Social justice and policy issues related to managing the health of people with chronic conditions across the lifespan are considered.