This course prepares students to find their way in the complex health system, to acknowledge how different stakeholder perspectives may limit innovation, and to debate the advantages and disadvantages of policy propositions from different political parties. After following this course, students have a basic understanding of
- The policy and economics of health care systems
- The role management and innovations in health systems
- Differences between healthcare systems
- The role of regulated competition in Dutch healthcare
- How solidarity is organized in healthcare systems in general, and specifically within the Dutch healthcare system.
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Health care is among the most regulated sectors, involving myriad of institutions, regulations and stakeholders, which are all concerned in providing the best care for the patient at acceptable costs. Students involved in healthcare research, healthcare innovation or healthcare management are likely to find employment somewhere in the health system as a consultant, manager or entrepreneur. In this role, they will be confronted with different healthcare institutions, competition and regulations, and therefore should have a basic understanding in how healthcare works at the system level. This course aims to prepare students for an internship in healthcare, by providing a thorough understanding how health systems work, how financial incentives, politics and regulation shape the behavior of hospitals, pharmaceutical companies and other healthcare stakeholders. In the course, specific attention is given to the Dutch healthcare system. A number of questions will be discussed during the course: What is the function of health insurance? How have countries given shape to the insurance function? How has the complex system evolved? What does this mean for quality of care, access to care, equity, costs? Which role does the patient play in the system; the government; the health insurer; the provider? How do countries ensure that the available funds are put to good use? What influence do national policies have on quality, accessibility and affordability of health care in different types of health systems? Should we afford anything technically possible in healthcare? What role should innovation play in affordability and quality in healthcare? These and many more questions will be answered and discussed in the interactive 6-ECTS-course: How policy and economics shape health care systems, markets and institutions in developed countries, with specific attention to the Netherlands. This course uses interactive lectures and workgroups to engage students to experience how different aspects of the health system work.
NEW: A module on the effect of COVID-19 on the health system is added to the 2020-2021 course
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Medical biology Master students and other master students without prior knowledge on the politics and economics of healthcare systems
The course does not require any specific preexisting knowledge on the topic. Through a combination of regular lectures, guest lectures, interactive workshops, essays and presentations students will attain a thorough insight in the functioning of health systems, specifically the Dutch healthcare system. |
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The examination consists of a written test (50%), and a written assignment (50%). |
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This course will be organised by the RadboudUMC |
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