Assessment task 3: Analysis of a Policy

This subject aims to provide students with the essential knowledge of the policy and political environment in which health services operate. Clinicians, health service managers, health service planners and those intending to work in the health service environment need to understand the political environment in which decisions are made, how health policies are formulated and enacted, and how they are received. The subject covers the theoretical framework for studying policy and politics, particularly in relation to government policy; the ways policies are formulated; the balance of power between different stakeholders in the development of health services policies and decisions; how the health and political systems manage issues; what facilitates or impedes the policy implementation and the influence of the stakeholders and the media in the management of health services issues. Assessment task 3: Assessment 3 – Analysis of a Policy Intent: This assessment item focusses on analysing an Australian health policy. Objective(s): This assessment task addresses subject learning objective(s): A, B, C, D and F A. Examine how government policy is formulated nationally and internationally within legal and ethical frameworks,and how globalisation impacts on policy; B. Differentiate between the political ideologies that underpin the delivery of healthcare services; C. Appraise the use of power in decision making in government and organisations; D. Evaluate the impact of existing and emerging health policies in the management and planning of health services utilising a policy analysis framework; F. Create a variety of ways in which complex issues can be effectively communicated for a variety of target audiences. This assessment task contributes to the development of graduate attribute(s): 1.1, 1.2, 3.1 and 3.2 – Critique, interpret and synthesise data and research findings to develop safe, effective and evidence-based solutions to healthcare challenges. (1.1) – Propose relevant problem solving and human factors theories to the analysis of common issues inherent in the management and evaluation of healthcare services . (1.2) – Create and lead social and ethical accountability to enable efficient use of resources and equity of access to optimal and safe health care. (3.1) – Validate the importance of integrating stakeholder partnerships in all healthcare decision making activities. (3.2) Type: Report style Weight: 50% Task: Identify a current Aboriginal health policy (state or national) Provide a detailed analysis of the policy which includes identifying three relevant stakeholder groups and appraising their capacity to infuence decision making on the policy from a political and power perspective (see assessment marking criteria below). Length: 1500 words (report style) Criteria: 10% Analyses and reframes the issue that led to the policy being developed (maximum 250 words) 10% Summarises the implementation of the policy (maximum 250 words) 20% Appraises the capacity of the selected stakeholder groups to influence decision making on this issue from a political and power perspective (maximum 500 words) 30% Analyses the policy clearly and comprehensively using a logical approach 10% Justifies whether the policy should be considered a success or a failure based on evidence of wide reading 10% Validates perspectives through correct interpretation and explicit linkage of relevant and current literature (> year 2004) to the assessment focus 10% Produces correct grammar, spelling, formatting, style (report) and referencing Referencing style The Faculty of Health uses the “Harvard (UTS)” style for in text referencing and production of a reference list.