SHQM40 Social, Cultural and Economic Context of Health

Intended Learning Outcomes

The intended learning outcomes are that on completion of the module students would be able to:
• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the production of health and wellbeing and the influence of social determinants on health.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of the social and cultural context within which health and illness are defined and experienced.
• Critically analyse inequalities in access, provision and outcomes of health care services
• Critically evaluate the social, cultural and economic contexts that influence the organization of health systems.
• Demonstrate critical awareness of the significance of scarcity and choice
• Critically appreciate different approaches to financing health services.
• Demonstrate an appreciation of governance in health care.

 

Students will demonstrate through critical discussion their understanding of social, cultural and economic influences on health and health care provision drawing on relevant theories and evidence and considering their application in the development and design of a health care service.

Students will select one of the following three essay titles below:

1. Critically discuss the social, cultural and economic influences (as relevant) on the design of a service (of your choice) within a health system.

2. Health care managers in the NHS face increasingly difficult decisions due to scarcity of resources and growing demand. Critically discuss factors that influence and shape the setting of health care priorities in an increasingly challenging economic climate.

3. Critically compare the influence of the social, cultural and economic context on the organisation of two health systems.

Assessment Guidelines

The assessment for this module has been designed to allow you to demonstrate through critical discussion, an understanding and appreciation of the social, cultural and economic context (as relevant to your chosen example) within which health and illness are defined and experienced and how these impact and influence the organisation and financing of health care and health systems.

The taught component will give you an introductory insight which will enable you to address any of the questions. However, a successful answer will demonstrate that you have read further on the subject and are able to critically evaluate and apply that knowledge.