SFOK15016U Summer course in Nordic Health Systems

Volume 2015/2016
Education

MSc Public Health, MSc Global Health, MSc Political Science or equivalent.

Content

The aim of course is to introduce students to comparative health systems analysis (frameworks and methods) using the Nordic countries as case examples.

Key topics include the interaction between values, organization and political steering of the health systems. It will be discussed how the Nordic systems address general challenges of cost control, performance management, prevention and coordination and integration of health services.

The Nordic health systems will be contrasted with other types of health systems based on social or private health insurance. 

Specific topics include:

  • Introduction to comparative frameworks for describing health systems and assessing health system performance
  • Introduction to comparative design approaches
  • Coordination and integration of care
  • Centralization/decentralization of governance and delivery
  • The organization of primary care and community care
  • Economic incentives and steering mechanisms for hospitals and regions
  • Public/private financing and delivery in the Nordic region
  • Patient rights, mobility and choice
  • Quality, documentation and data
Learning Outcome

The aim of course is to introduce students to comparative health systems analysis (frameworks and methods) using the Nordic countries as case examples.

After completing the course students will:

Knowledge

  • have gained insight into Nordic health systems and their relative performance in an international comparative light.

  • have obtained insight into theoretical and methodological issues of comparative health system research.

Skills

  • be able to describe and compare specific health systems features in the Nordic countries

  • be able to design a comparative analysis and apply selected frameworks for analysis of health system features in the Nordic countries Assess selected designs and frameworks with reference to empirical cases of health systems in the Nordic countries

 

Competence

  • have the competence to present a framework for comparative analysis of performance in health systems

  • have the competence to compare and assess different frameworks for comparative analysis

  • Papanicolas, I. and Peter C. Smith (eds.)(2013) Health system performance comparison An agenda for policy, information and research. Open University Press McGraw-Hill.  Maidenhead, Berkshire, England
  • Jon Magnussen, Karsten Vrangbæk and Richard B. Saltman (eds.) (2009)
  • Nordic health care systems. Recent reforms and current policy challenges. Open University Press. Maidenhead. Berkshire
  • Robert H. Blank; Viola Bureau (2014). Comparative Health Policy, 4th Edition Palgrave Macmillan
  • Gary King, Robert O. Keohane and Sidney Verba. Designing Social Inquiry 1994 (Princeton)
  • Tor Iversen and Sverre Kittelsen (Editors) (2013) Nordic Economic Policy Review Challenges in health care financing and provision. 2012/2
Completed BA in social sciences, public health or equivalent
The course is organized with an e-learning component during the spring of 2016 with self study and mini assignments to be handed in online.

Two week program in Copenhagen: Lectures, group work, presentations by external experts from the Nordic countries, field trips to health policy organizations in Denmark and Sweden.

Final course project to be completed individually or in groups. Class presentation and feedback.
  • Category
  • Hours
  • E-Learning
  • 100
  • Exam
  • 55
  • Lectures
  • 60
  • Preparation
  • 60
  • Total
  • 275
Credit
10 ECTS
Type of assessment
Written assignment
Final course project to be completed individually or in groups (20, 25, 30, 35, 40 pages depending on group size)

Mini assignments in e-learning module
Aid
All aids allowed
Marking scale
7-point grading scale
Censorship form
No external censorship
One internal examiner
Exam period

See the exam plan: http://sund.ku.dk/uddannelse/vejledning-information/eksamensplaner/folkesundhedsvidenskab/

Criteria for exam assesment

The aim of course is to introduce students to comparative health systems analysis (frameworks and methods) using the Nordic countries as case examples.

After completing the course students will:

Knowledge

  • have gained insight into Nordic health systems and their relative performance in an international comparative light.

  • have obtained insight into theoretical and methodological issues of comparative health system research.

Skills

  • be able to describe and compare specific health systems features in the Nordic countries

  • be able to design a comparative analysis and apply selected frameworks for analysis of health system features in the Nordic countries Assess selected designs and frameworks with reference to empirical cases of health systems in the Nordic countries

 

Competence

  • have the competence to present a framework for comparative analysis of performance in health systems

  • have the competence to compare and assess different frameworks for comparative analysis