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Unit of study_

NURS6029: Australian Health Care - Global Context

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Westmead, Sydney

This unit of study critically analyses the Australian health-care system, with an emphasis on its structure, funding arrangements, and the ways in which it is influenced by contemporary political issues and debates. The unit focuses on issues of access and equity, resource allocation, multidisciplinary teamwork, human rights, health care ethics, and issues associated with care of particular population groups including older people, Indigenous Australians, refugees and other immigrants. The Australian health care system is compared with other national health care systems to help students to critically evaluate the effectiveness of the Australian system in global terms. The unit explores the role of nurses as global citizens and the role of the profession in its global context. The unit also develops student understanding of contemporary ways of working and nursing models of care.

Unit details and rules

Unit code NURS6029
Academic unit Nursing and Midwifery
Credit points 6
Prohibitions
? 
None
Prerequisites
? 
None
Corequisites
? 
None
Assumed knowledge
? 

None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Narelle Story, narelle.story@sydney.edu.au
Type Description Weight Due Length
Online task hurdle task Assessment 2
Online response SAQs and extended responses
35% Please select a valid week from the list below
Due date: 02 Sep 2022 at 10:00

Closing date: 02 Sep 2022
80 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO5
In-semester test (Take-home short release) Type D in-semester exam hurdle task Assessment 3
Type D SAQs and extended responses Additional time for reading and upload
45% Week 13
Due date: 04 Nov 2022 at 10:00

Closing date: 04 Nov 2022
80 minutes
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4 LO5
Presentation hurdle task group assignment Assessment 1
Group multi-media presentation and focussed discussion.
20% Weekly 45 mins
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
group assignment = group assignment ?
Type D in-semester exam = Type D in-semester exam ?

Assessment summary

The assessment framework in this unit is designed to measure the learning outcomes through students’ ability to interrogate and analyse the literature, reflect on, articulate and showcase current issues in the health care system and construct scholarly pieces of work. 

To be eligible to achieve the minimum grade of pass in this unit of study, each student is required to: (a) submit all assessment items (b) actively participate and engage in tutorials and in the online content of the unit (c) meet specific assessment grading criteria (d) achieve an overall minimum grade of 50% (e) comply with any on-campus and off-campus attendance requirements, and (f) comply with assignment submission requirements including presentation and academic honesty

 

  • Assessment 1. Group presentations:  Students will form groups to present a topic during the tutorial class each week.  The presentation is expected to include multi-media and stimulate discussion. 
  • Assessment 2. Quiz :  Two panels of experts have been organised to explore important issues of access and equity in health care in contemporary Australia; and interprofessional practice issues. Following the panel presentations and discussions, students will have the opportunity to pose questions to the panel, and to engage in discussions about the extent to which health care services are distributed equitably in Australia. Students will provide extended responses to questions about the panel discussions in both weeks; and short answer responses to the unit content up to and including week 5.
  • Assessment 3. In-semester test: This will be a revision of the concepts learnt throughout the semester. It will be based on readings, tutorials, and content introduced during lectures.  

Please note: Each student is required to submit all assessment items in order to pass this unit. Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

 

Distinction

75 - 84

 

Credit

65 - 74

 

Pass

50 - 64

 

Fail

0 - 49

When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades.

 

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website  provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.  

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 1. Overview of unit of study; and introduction to the Australian health care system Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO4
Week 02 Sign up for group presentations and topics; and introduction to resource allocation and funding Tutorial (2 hr)  
2. The public health system; and primary health care Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO5
Week 03 (Student topic # 1: Medicare and private health insurance) Health policy Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
3. The private health care system; and resource allocation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2
Week 04 (Student topic # 2: Public Health policy and the pandemic) Public health Tutorial (2 hr) LO2 LO3
4. Panel discussion: Access and equity Lecture (2 hr) LO2
Week 05 (Student topic #3 Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme) Rationing Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO4
5. Panel discussion: Inter-professional care (case study); and integrated care Lecture (2 hr) LO5
Week 11 (Student topic #4: Rural health & Indigenous health) Tele-health and equitable access Tutorial (2 hr) LO1 LO2
6. International perspectives and global health Lecture (2 hr) LO4
Week 12 (Student topic #5: Mental health) Global contexts of health and nursing Tutorial (2 hr) LO4
7. Aged care and health care reforms Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3 LO5
Week 13 (Student topic #6: Disability) NDIS Tutorial (2 hr) LO3 LO4 LO5

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance: The Sydney Nursing School Resolutions specifically outline attendance requirements. Resolution 7.2 states that if students are absent without leave for more than 10% of classes in a particular unit of study in any one semester, the Dean may call upon them to show cause why they should not be deemed to have failed that unit of study. 

It is expected that all students participate and fully engage in the content of this unit of study by attending lectures, tutorials and laboratories, being prepared for tutorials and laboratories, contributing to discussions in class and online, and providing and receiving feedback in a respectful and dignified manner.

Students must also attend 100% of all clinical simulation laboratories (CSL) and off campus clinical, which are supplemented with online and group activities.

Referencing style: The Sydney Nursing School has adopted the American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing style, 7th Edition, 2020 as its official referencing style. This is an author-date style of referencing.

Assignment formatting guidelines: Unless the unit coordinator has indicated otherwise, please make sure your submitted assessments are formatted as follows:

  • font: use Calibri or Times New Roman in 11 - 12 point
  • double line spacing
  • margins: 2.5cm each side
  • use page numbers
  • refer to assessment instructions for use of title and headings

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

See Reading list in Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. critically discuss the ways in which the Australian healthcare system is structured and funded, with a critical awareness of the strengths and weaknesses of the system, including its overall effectiveness in terms of patient outcomes and satisfaction
  • LO2. explore and examine the political nature of healthcare in Australia, and the ways in which this affects the experiences of particular groups of people in need of care
  • LO3. compare and contrast the Australian healthcare system with other national systems, and to think critically about contemporary debates that focus on healthcare reform, in Australia and elsewhere
  • LO4. demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of international perspectives in relation to nursing and the nursing profession
  • LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of other health professionals and the ways in which nursing and other health professionals work together in inter-professional teams

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9
LO1         
LO2         
LO3         
LO4         
LO5         

Alignment with Competency standards

Outcomes Competency standards
LO1
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research
2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
3.2. Provides the information and education required to enhance people’s control over health
4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
6.5. Practises in accordance with relevant nursing and health guidelines, standards, regulations and legislation
LO2
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.4. Complies with legislation, common law, policies, guidelines and other standards or requirements relevant to the context of practice when making decisions
3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
LO3
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
3.6. Actively engages with the profession
4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral
5.5. Coordinates resources effectively and efficiently for planned actions
LO4
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
1.2. Develops practice through reflection on experiences, knowledge, actions, feelings and beliefs to identify how these shape practice
1.3. Respects all cultures and experiences, which includes responding to the role of family and community that underpin the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people of other cultures
1.5. Uses ethical frameworks when making decisions
1.7. Contributes to quality improvement and relevant research
3.6. Actively engages with the profession
3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
LO5
Registered Nurses Standards for Practice - NMBA
2.4. Provides support and directs people to resources to optimise health related decisions
2.5. Advocates on behalf of people in a manner that respects the person’s autonomy and legal capacity
2.6. Uses delegation, supervision, coordination, consultation and referrals in professional relationships to achieve improved health outcomes
2.7. Actively fosters a culture of safety and learning that includes engaging with health professionals and others, to share knowledge and practice that supports person- centered care
2.8. Participates in and/or leads collaborative practice
3.7. Identifies and promotes the integral role of nursing practice and the profession in influencing better health outcomes for people
4.3. Works in partnership to determine factors that affect, or potentially affect, the health and well being of people and populations to determine priorities for action and/or for referral

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

The Unit of Study has been enhanced through the comments and suggestions made by students at the completion of the UoS in 2021. The panel discussions have been shown to be extremely beneficial to students' learning and provided new perspectives and information on the topics covered.

Sensitive materials in teaching: Please note that in this Unit of Study sensitive and potentially distressing or disturbing content might be presented and/or discussed from time to time. This may include reference to for example, discrimination, assault, suicide, illness, death and dying or culturally sensitive issues. These topics are relevant to your learning and your knowledge and skill development for nursing practice.

You will be advised before the information/topic is presented. If you are participating in the teaching session/activity online, you are advised to use headphones and ensure that anyone not participating in the session cannot see images that you may be watching on your device. If the nature of the content makes you feel uncomfortable or distressed, it is important that you contact the unit coordinator or another member of the academic team to discuss this with them.  

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.