This module aims to examine and evaluate the policy process and its impact on the delivery and management of health services. It will enable you to critically analyse health care policy utilising appropriate theoretical models. You will examine case studies centred on policy change and development, including the introduction of the internal market and its replacement with commissioning of services; community care and interagency relationships; the development of 'Our Healthier Nation'. Models of evaluation will be examined including programme, project, formative, summative and client-focussed approaches. The practical utilisation of evaluation reports and the application of different models in the health services. Reference to specific techniques for monitoring programme performance in terms of inputs and outcomes and the assessment of impacts upon clients. You will examine concepts of management, accountability and control. Various issues in governance and accountability will be introduced, and related to problems of performance measurement, value for money and organisational aspects of
accounting. This module will use case-based on-line discussion in addition to conceptual reading. Students will be invited to an optional 1-day workshop at the end of the module.

Assessment Code:

A COURSEWORK -ESSAY length max 3000 WORDS weighted at 100%. LOs 1-4.


Additional Assessment Information:

The essay will aim to ensure that the student has acquired an appropriate depth of understanding in a particular area. The subject and title will be negotiated with the aim of encouraging the student to reflect on a practical health or social care situation utilising
theoretical and evaluative techniques from the module. Normally, the essay topic will be work related to allow the student to reflect on a policy issue affecting their vocational situation.

Access to the internet to assess the most up-to-date policy documents and statements from the government and its agencies.

Fetterman, D.et.al. Empowerment Evaluation, 1996.
Fink, A. Evaluation Fundamentals: guiding health programs, research & policy, 1996.
Spurgeon, P. The New Face of the NHS, 1998.
Flynn, R. Structures of Control in Health Management, 1992.
Tilley, I. Managing the Internal Market, 1993.

Additional reading will be given each week throughout the module and in the learning pack.

This module aims to examine and evaluate the policy process and its impact on the delivery and management of health services. It will enable you to critically analyse health care policy utilising appropriate theoretical models. You will examine case studies centred on policy change and development, including the introduction of the internal market and its replacement with commissioning of services; community care and interagency relationships; the development of 'Our Healthier Nation'. Models of evaluation will be examined including programme, project, formative, summative and client-focussed approaches. The practical utilisation of evaluation reports and the application of different models in the health services. Reference to specific techniques for monitoring programme performance in terms of inputs and outcomes and the assessment of impacts upon clients. You will examine concepts of management, accountability and control. Various issues in governance and accountability will be introduced, and related to problems of performance measurement, value for money and organisational aspects of accounting.