Dalla Lana School of Public Health

Patient-​Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada

Course Description

Patient-Related Health Care and Public Policy in Canada looks to develop and apply a policy analysis “tool kit” to critically analyze key issues and trends in Canada’s health care system and health policy. Course sections examine the current state of health care in Canada, the public-private mix, the influence of powerful interest groups, and the determinants of health, paying particular attention to the ideas, interests, and institutions which have shaped the Canadian health care system in the past and continue to shape its future. This graduate course is designed for health professionals and students of health policy and management who need to “make sense” of a rapidly changing and increasingly politicized health care environment in which “evidence” is often only one factor driving the pace and direction of change.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Identify major elements of Canada’s health care system
• Apply a conceptual health policy analysis tool kit (referred to as the “3 I’s”) – ideas, institutions and interests to a health policy
• Explain current health policy issues and trends in Canada and internationally
• Formulate policy recommendations
• Write short, concise briefing notes which synthesize academic articles, policy papers and reports as the basis for evaluating policy options
• Give clear, concise and thoughtful oral presentations
• Appreciate the usefulness of the policy analytic approach in responding to policy issues in the health care sector

Methods of Assessment

Post Quizzes (Each module will have a post online quiz (4% x 5 quizzes))	20
Participation (Case Discussion Participation (4% x 5 cases))	20
Briefing Note 1	10
Briefing Note 2	15
Briefing Note 3	15
Final Paper	20