Monash College Handbook

HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE SYSTEMS (MCD7080)

Purpose

This unit introduces core principles and values of health and social care systems, theories that underpin their operations and major drivers for their development. Understanding of the structure, interactions and dynamics of the highly complex health and social care sectors is essential for all those who work within the sector. This unit is designed to strengthen understanding and appreciation of contemporary health and social care systems, how they are organised, their strengths and limitations as they attempt to meet needs among Australia’s diverse populations.

Prerequisites

Nil

Learning outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. describe the structure and function of the local, state and national health and social care systems.
2. explain contemporary debates about equity and efficiency and how health and social care systems attempt to balance competing expectations.
3. demonstrate a critical perspective towards theories of power such as medical dominance and institutional hegemony.
4. critically reflect on mechanisms to achieve equity in the Australian health care system.
5. explain the importance to health and social care of the theories of universalism, welfarism and residualism.
6. explain the importance of inter-relationships with other professionals and agencies working in health and social care – both in the health and the non-health sector.

Assessment

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