Health Care Policy

3 units

This course examines important and complex developments in contemporary health care policy. Learners begin with a historical overview, then look at the structure of current health care delivery and identify political and economic challenges moving forward. In particular, the class will critically examine methods and principles for evaluating health care costs and measuring policy effectiveness. The course also addresses unintended consequences of health care policies, special interests and political agendas, and the influence of major institutional forces on clinical and translational research. Case studies and guest speakers will help illustrate current ethical dilemmas and other real challenges to contemporary health care and reform.