Order instructions:Research in the context of Health economics / Health Administration

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School of Public Health Semester 1 2020

Curtin University

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Health Economics

Assignment 1

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You are required to write a review paper in which you conduct a critical analysis of a contemporary or proposed economic policy or reform in the health sector in a country of your choice.

A review paper is a critical evaluation of material that has been published relating to a specific topic. The task involves familiarising yourself with the published material and the evidence and arguments put forward relating to the topic. As outlined in the Bem (1995) article, a review article involves the author in:

a) Defining and clarifying the problem; b) Summarizing previous investigations in order to inform the reader of the state of current

research; c) Identifying relationships, contradictions, gaps and inconsistencies in the literature; and d) Suggesting the next steps in solving the problem.

I have uploaded the Bem article. Rather than suggesting the next steps in solving the problem, the last step may involve recommendations in regard to implementing or making changes to the economic policy or reform you have selected.

Please note that you must select a health sector in a specific country. As both assessments require you to select a country, I suggest you select the same country for both assessments. This should assist you in deepening your understanding of applying economic thinking to a health system. However, this is not mandatory, and you can select different countries for the two assessments if you prefer.

The range of economic policies or reforms you can select is wide. Possible examples of policies/reforms include ones relating to efficiency or equity, user fees or out-of-pocket payments, competition policy, pricing of services, market structure, etc. If you are unsure if the policy/reform you have chosen is an appropriate one, please email me to review. Please note that we are not allowed to comment on assignment drafts but are available to discuss any concerns or clarify any uncertainties you may have.

In searching for literature, please adopt a systematic approach and include an appendix documenting the search strategy you adopted to find relevant articles. The following Flinders University website provides helpful guidance on how to search the literature in a systematic way.

https://flinders.libguides.com/c.php?g=915575&p=6598795

The maximum word count is 3,000 words, and any word count over 3,250 words will not be marked. The question will be marked out of 30 using the marking key shown on the next page.

Please use the peer-reviewed literature as much as possible to support the arguments you present.

The assignment is worth 30% of the final mark in this Unit.

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School of Public Health Semester 1 2020

Curtin University

Page 2 of 2

Submitting the assignment

 Assignments must be submitted electronically through Turnitin by 5.00pm WST on the 3

rd April 2020.

 The word count must be provided at the end of the question.

 Penalties will apply to late submission of assignments unless there has been prior agreement with the unit coordinator.

Marking Key

Performance Indicator

P o

o r

A v

e ra

g e

E x

ce lle

n t

Mark

Topic of presentation and its purpose clearly defined

/2

Idea development logical and orderly and a cohesive argument was presented

/5

Clear understanding of the topic demonstrated

/5

Evidence of critical thinking and ability to analyse and interpret

/10

Content supported with reference citations appropriate to the topic

/3

Rational conclusion offered and supported

/3

Presentation of the assignment of an appropriate academic standard with correct spelling, grammar referencing, page-numbering, etc.

/2

Total mark

/30

Comments