Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - HSCI 416 D100

Health Services Research (4)

Class Number: 2183

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    STAT 302 or STAT 305, and HSCI 307 or HSCI 330.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the fundamental concepts of Health services research. Examination of how people access health care, how much care costs, and what happens to patients as a result of this care. Identification of the most effective ways to organize, manage, finance, and deliver high quality care.

COURSE DETAILS:

Health services research aims to create new knowledge and translate it into better health services.  This course will introduce students to research on health systems, systems change and performance evaluation.  Over the term, we will explore fundamentals of how healthcare systems are organized and financed to critique how research can lead to better health services.  Cases will be discussed with examples drawn from the current literature and technology developments. Students will evaluate research outputs as health systems undergo contemporary changes such as digital transformation or patient-centered care. Students will have opportunities to differentiate the strengths and weaknesses of health services research methods in individual and small team-based assignments, including practice with peer review, facilitating group discussions and delivering group presentations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The educational goals of this course are to prepare students to examine health services research and identify research outcomes that improve and/or change health services.   

By fulfilling the course requirements students will be prepared to:  

1.     Examine how  healthcare systems are organized and financed
2.     Differentiate basic measures of budget and resource management and distinguish between improvement and innovation
3.     Describe the roles of stakeholders in health services research and explore information flows throughs healthcare systems 
4.     Communicate how health services research can improve the equity, quality, efficacy and accessibility of healthcare

Grading

  • Individual assignments 40%
  • Class participation 15%
  • Group presentations 15%
  • Final Assignment 30%

REQUIREMENTS:

The course is an interactive seminar class; each class begins with an introduction to the syllabus topics which will facilitate the discussions. Students will collaborate with their peers to lead group discussions, undertake research review exercises, and deliver group presentations. Throughout the term students will be required to read materials,  come to class prepared, engage deeply with assigned reading materials, collaborate with their peers, and contribute to the learning of others.  Students will be given the opportunity to communicate the knowledge they have gained through individual written and graphic assignments.  

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Peer-reviewed articles from the current literature will be assigned and distributed two weeks prior to each class.  Students are expected to complete the assigned reading before each class and come prepared to discuss the materials. 

RECOMMENDED READING:

Treating Health Care: How the Canadian System Works and How It Could Work Better (2017); Raisa B. Deber, available electronically via the SFU library 

ISBN: 9781487501549

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS