The summative assessment for the module has two elements, both of which must be passed in order to complete the module
Presentation weighted at 40%.
This is a short presentation to the rest of the group.
You are required to prepare a short slide presentation of a health system via Blackboard to the rest of the module group. This could be a regional, national or local health system. The analysis should identify the key elements, characteristics, interconnections. This can include a schematic representation in addition to slides that describe and explanation the system analysed. The presentation should be no more than 15 slides including your title page, aims and references(assesses outcomes 1 and 2)

The second assessment is an assignment of 2500 words weighted at 60%.
This builds on your summative presentation
Gilson (2012) suggests health policy systems and research (HSPR) always aims to be policy relevant to inform the decisions taken by those who influence how health systems evolve and perform. The development of research questions should therefore involve health systems actors, ranging potentially from household to global levels.
From the system you previously presented to the group, identify a health service issue that warrants investigation. Consider how you would develop a research question to address this. Include what aspects of the service are of interest, why and to whom. You do not have to go beyond identifying factors that shape the question
You will have to review relevant literature and you should include in your analysis, a reflection that indicates your own social and political reality or perspective. (assesses all learning outcomes)

In addition to key texts and research and policy literature (research papers and reports), a series of case studies from the health care sector will be used to explore the health systems and health services.
The module actively engages student in practising such analysis

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the concepts and principles that underpin the health services. To do this requires a step back to explore these within a wider health system. The module draws upon a range of theories and models to consider the principles underpinning health service that can subsequently be applied to high middle and low income countries. Included is a global perspective.
Introduction to systems theory and approaches
Health systems, their goals and purpose and construction within wider systems
Patterns and interrelationships in health systems
Health services conceptualised as inputs processes outputs and outcomes

Contact Hours: (34)
22 hours On-line activities around session activities
2 hours Individual e-mail based tutorials around assignment support
10 hours Tutor interventions in on-line group activities

Independent Study Hours: (116)
50 hours Researching the subject through accessing on-line materials, including reference to case studies involving an introductory session followed by a series of five 2-week seminars with a final session to summarise and conclude the module.
48 hours Preparation for Summative assessment
18 hours Group activities with peers

Access to IT resources and broadband capacity for Blackboard access.
Case study material indentified or developed by staff.
Specific recommended reading material for each seminar
Interactive sessions incorporating tutor and peer group discussion and support
Literature and references provided by academic staff
Library e- resources
Wider range of recommended reading

BOOKS AND REPORTS

Black N, Gruen R (2005) Understanding Health Services. Milton Keynes: Open University Press
Checkland, P. and Poulter, J. (2006), Learning for Action. Chichester, Wiley.
Gilson L. (2012) Health Policy and Systems Research - A Methodology Reader: Geneva: WHO Press, World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/alliance-hpsr/alliancehpsr_reader.pdf
Mahon A, Chambers N, Walshe K (2009) A Reader in Health Policy and Management. Berkshire: McGraw Hill