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Department of Health Policy and Management
Annette Choolfaian, R.N.,
M.P.A.,
Peter S. Arno, Ph.D. Deborah Viola, Ph.D.
T he Health Policy & Management Department offers the MPH degree. The department, in concert with The Center for Disaster Medicine of the School of Public Health, also offers a graduate certificate in emergency preparedness. Also offered are graduate certificates in global health and management of long-term care facilities.The public policy, administrative and technological complexities of today’s healthcare systems require managers and policy makers to have a broad-based education. The courses leading to the degree in Health Policy and Management are designed to provide the student with an understanding of the business, programmatic, planning and policy areas of health care. The program prepares students for careers in a wide range of health services and research settings. An individual program plan is developed for each student based on his or her previous education, experience and career goals. Faculty members in the program have extensive education and experience in the health field. Among them are healthcare lawyers, executives, researchers, planners, consultants, physicians, nurses and other professionals who have held leadership positions in health and health-related enterprises and government. The following courses are all 3 credits, unless otherwise noted.MPH Curriculum - 46 credits - On-Campus Program Only Students may select online courses to complete degree requirements with the guidance of their program advisor.
M.P.H. Curriculum - 46 credits - Online Program Only* Students may select on-site courses to complete degree requirements with the guidance of their program advisor.
* Computing requirements for online (distance education) students A graduate of the MPH program in Health Policy & Management must satisfy the competencies listed below:
Graduate Certificate in Emergency Preparedness
Michael J. Reilly, M.P.H., NREMT-P MICP
* Computing requirements for online (distance education) students
Emergency
Preparedness Courses Emergency Preparedness for Acts of Terrorism Acts of Terrorism present unique threats to communities. Students are shown the approaches to planning for and responding to acts of terrorism, including those that are chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive. The concept of hazard and risk vulnerability as it applies to terrorism is presented. Also discussed is how the threat of terrorism has affected emergency preparedness and the approach taken to terrorism preparedness at the local, state, national, and international level.
Emergency Preparedness
for Natural Disasters and Complex Humanitarian Emergencies Graduate Certificate in Global Health The global health certificate offers the student the opportunity to explore health care issues that exist in developing countries and multi ethnic populations in industrialized nations. This 12 credit certificate enhances health care providers’ knowledge of the health, socio-economic and political environments that affect the health status of individuals and population groups. The certificate may be taken independently and upon completion may serve as an entry to Master’s degree studies for those who may want to do so. Alternatively, the certificate may be taken as part of an MPH degree. The faculty includes internationally recognized practitioners and scholars with significant experience in international health.
Primary Health Care around the World
Infectious Diseases and Public Health
Comparative Healthcare Delivery System
Women and Health: A Global Perspective Graduate Certificate in Management of Long-Term Care Facilities This 15-credit certificate enhances the credentials of those currently interested in or practicing in the long-term care industry, the nursing home sector, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living residences, personal care homes, and senior housing. The program is designed to provide the participants with in-depth knowledge of the organizational, management, financial, legal, and clinical aspects of long-term care. Earning the certificate involves a focused learning experience in long-term care and also serves as an entry to MPH studies for those who desire it. Required courses: 15 credits
Managing Long Term Health Care Facilities Financial Administration of Health Delivery Systems Law and Health Human Resource Management Delivering Healthcare Services to the Aged Health Policy and Management Course Descriptions Health Care in the United States This course provides comprehensive overviews of the American healthcare systems, their organization and financing. Lectures are structured to provide an understanding of the major stakeholders involved in health care and the critical health care issues. Discussion focuses on the changing delivery systems and the forces that are affecting them. Introduction to Biostatistics This course presents the fundamental statistical approaches employed in clinical and public health research. Lectures cover basic probability, common distributions, samples and populations, interval estimation, and inferential statistical approaches. Students learn how data are presented and interpreted in the professional literature by considering published articles, professional reports and public health data. Introduction to Epidemiology This course introduces students to the principles and practices of epidemiology and provides them a population-based perspective on health and disease. Students learn the basic measurements of frequency and association and the methods employed in describing, monitoring, and studying health and disease in populations. Health Economics This course explores the concepts of scarcity, social choice, rationing, resource allocation, efficiency, investment, and market forces and their relationship to health services delivery and health policy. A variety of analytical principles and methods are examined and applied to issues including healthcare financing, cost containment, regulation, access, insurance, productivity, and program evaluation. Law and Health This course provides an overview of the legal system, legal issues, and the convergence of public health policy and the law through analysis of contemporary topics using the case method approach. Behavioral and Social Factors in Public Health An overview and introduction to the way in which behavioral and social factors contribute to health. The course covers a wide range of topics: theories of behavioral science which have been applied to health behaviors; socio-cultural factors in disease etiology and the role of social conditions and social policy in addressing critical public health problems; individual, group, community, and technology-based strategies for health behavior change; and current issues in behavioral science for health promotion including its application to achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals. Environmental Influences on Human Health This survey of the major environmental determinants of human health covers physical, chemical and biological sources of exposure; routes of exposure in humans; etiology of environmental disease and mortality; and the complexities of environmental public policy. Topics include airborne pollution, contaminated water and food, solid and hazardous waste, and risk assessment as a tool for regulation. Students have the opportunity to tour a local public works facility. Financial Administration of Health Delivery Systems Principles and techniques of acute care, long-term care, and ambulatory care financial management are presented. Topics include budgeting, cash flow, inventory management, cost analysis, plant and equipment management, financing and sources of operating revenue. Seminar in Healthcare Cost Containment This course provides a review of the most current programs and methods being used to respond to the cost containment mandate. (Materials fee) The Management Process in Health Service Organizations A survey of management theories and principles with emphasis on the role of the middle manager within health service organizations is presented. Topics include leadership style, supervision of professional staff, evaluation of program effectiveness, and fiscal accountability. Long-Term Care Delivery Systems This course provides students with an introduction to the basic learning and analytical frameworks of Long-Term Care (LTC). Three perspectives or approaches are used to describe and discuss the complicated LTC landscape. First, LTC is examined as a "system" – that is, a cluster of interrelated components. Next, LTC is explored from the point of view of public policy – that is, from the perspective of various courses of action open to government to address the LTC dilemma. Finally, LTC is viewed as an expanding market for providers of health care, social services and housing. New Directions: Managing Health Care This course is designed to provide health care managers/professionals with an overview of the managed care health industry, which impacts all aspects of the delivery of health care in the U.S. today. An introduction to HMOs, PPOs, POS, and consumer driven health care plans is included. This course also examines the roles that corporate America, government, consumers, and providers plan, and how they impact the managed health care system. Human Resources Management An institution’s reputation and ability to carry out its mission can only be a reflection of the characteristics and capability of its work force. This course explores the management strategies to integrate a variety of human resource functions into a strategic plan which ensures a high level of employee relations and optimum productivity from a well-trained and motivated work force. It covers a practical plan of action for an institution’s top management. New Directions: Managed Healthcare Organizational Structures Students receive a full exposure to the operations of managed care systems. Managed care organizational structures, provider organizations, staffing, marketing and other aspects of the delivery system are reviewed. In addition, the managed care process, including case management and utilization review, is discussed. Prerequisite: New Directions: Managing Health Care Business Planning in Healthcare Organizations This course introduces students to business planning and financial decision-making, both as a proactive exercise, and as a tool for organizational control. Using market data, students will evaluate community needs and health services offered, and develop a business plan to meet the changing needs. Organizational Theory This course provides students with knowledge of the major theories of organization. Students study the principal elements of organizational structure and behavior and their effect on today's managerial problems. In addition, the application of these theories, through such concepts as "the learning organization" and "organizational leadership" are discussed. Grant and Contract Development and Administration The fundamentals of grant and contract administration, proposal development and research administration for the public health and social welfare professional are presented. Topics include funding sources and proposal development, financial issues, contracting for sponsored programs, post-award management, governmental regulations and compliance, and ethical aspects of research administration. Developing the Strategic Plan Overview of the basic principles of strategic planning for healthcare providers is presented in this course. Emphasis is placed on both planning principles as well as the specific skills and methods employed in strategic planning. Students are required to engage in actual market research and analysis; case studies of various strategic plans are discussed and analyzed. Strategic Management of Communications in Healthcare Organizations This course focuses on managing communication issues when healthcare organizational and stakeholder interests collide. The course explores the dynamic public environment of health care and the influences that must be considered by decision-makers. Knowing how actions may be judged in the public arena, will help managers navigate their healthcare careers. Managers at all levels need to know how to interact with various "publics", such as: the media, the community, public interest groups, agencies, unions, etc. The course uses case studies and interactive problem solving. Public relations tools and techniques, consumer behavior, and strategic public affairs planning are examined. Leadership, Power and Influence Leadership, Power and Influence is designed for students who are, or plan to become, health services managers, and wish to upgrade their leadership skills in highly competitive and rapidly changing work environments. Emphasis is placed on the understanding of leadership and power, which is necessary to influence people to accomplish one’s objectives. Topics for discussion are: the challenge of managerial life, sources and use of power and politics, network building and exchange strategies, leadership styles, and other important topics that can give rise to more effective leadership. Health Services Organization and Management This course is designed to provide the manager with an introduction to the organization and management of the acute care hospital. Students analyze the most important management concepts through class discussion, role playing and case study review. Special attention is paid to alternative organizational structures and medical staff. Managing Change and Decision-Making in the Healthcare Industry The various approaches to change management employed by organizations are explored in this course. Students explore the core management competencies needed for effective change leadership. Students also integrate the concepts and techniques involved implementing a planned change process. In addition, the theories and techniques of organization and individual decision-making are explored. Overview of Behavioral Health Services This course is designed to provide students currently working in the healthcare industry with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, financial, legal, regulatory, and care delivery issues unique to behavioral health services. The importance of integrating behavioral health services with primary care services is explored with particular focus on improved patient outcomes and financial opportunities resulting from successful integration. Societal influences affecting both the providers and recipients of behavioral health services are examined. Current and future and trends in clinical treatment and systems for the delivery of care are discussed. Managing Long-Term Care Facilities This course provides an opportunity to examine the essential skills required for the successful management of a long-term care facility. The focus is on management functions (leadership, planning, organizing, and marketing), human resources, finance (principles of accounting and budgeting), environment (architecture and regulatory issues), and resident /patient care. The course also examines the multiple aspects of the administrator's role in the operations and politics of the organization. Ethics in Health Care This course focuses on the practical application of the principles of medical ethics to contemporary issues in healthcare planning, management, and delivery. In an era of increasing regulatory mandates and resource scarcity, an understanding of the function of ethical analysis is of critical importance in the identification, elucidation, and resolution of healthcare controversies. The course includes an overview of the philosophical foundations of the principles of medical ethics and presents a methodology for their employment in the attempted resolution of problems which exist at the confluence of medicine and morals. Issues of patient and professional autonomy, beneficence and non-maleficence, confidentiality, informed consent, and distributive justice are explored. Application is made to such contemporary issues as euthanasia, physician-assisted suicide, and AIDS. Customer Satisfaction and Performance Improvement Customer satisfaction and performance improvement are essential for healthcare providers, if they are to deliver quality services in the 21st century. In this course, students develop an implementation plan for a successful customer satisfaction and performance improvement program, including techniques used to review existing systems measuring satisfaction and meeting organizational objectives for the delivery of quality healthcare services. Strategic Management
Strategic management is an externally oriented philosophy of managing
an organization to orchestrate a fit between the organization's
external environment and its internal situation. Strategic management
goes beyond the traditional focus of strategy formulation and
incorporates leadership through successful strategic implementation.
Case studies of healthcare organizations are utilized to illustrate
various aspects of strategic management. Health Care managers and other professionals are burdened with a blizzard of data and information. This course focuses on how to use information effectively in decision-making and managing organizations. Practical approaches to design, data collection and analysis are presented. Students explore ways to make software work to improve presentations form simple Excel to sophisticated e-analytics. In addition, innovative uses of technology in healthcare and the life sciences are discussed. New Directions: Medical Management of Health Care Excellence in clinical quality and consumer satisfaction are becoming more significant market drivers; therefore this course is of interest to students who will be managing the delivery of health care services. It describes a comprehensive and integrated program that allows an organization to effectively assess and manage both the clinical performance of providers and the health status and satisfaction of insured populations. Health Policy Issues: An Economic Perspective This course is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of economic forces and their effect on health policy. Students gain a better understanding of how market economists think when addressing healthcare policy, specifically legislation and regulation. Health Economics is a prerequisite for this course, and it is expected that students will extend and enrich their knowledge of health economic tools and principles. Health Policymaking in the United States Health Policy is the set of decisions made by government that pertain to health and the pursuit of health. This course examines the forces and central players that shape the formulation, implementation, and modification of health policy at the federal and state levels. Forces include economic, social, ethical and political factors; central players include health care providers, payers, special interest groups, lobbyists, the press, elected officials, legislative staff, think tanks, and public agencies. Delivering Healthcare Services to the Aged T his course is designed for students interested in the issues around service delivery for the elderly and those preparing for management positions in long-term care and nursing facilities. It focuses on the role and status of the elderly; the major health, social and economic problems affecting the aged; the range of policies and human services available to meet the needs and problems of the aged; and social policy and planning issues related to the gerontological social services system.Leading Healthcare Organizations Towards Performance Excellence This course expands the student’s knowledge of quality data reporting, including differentiation between the various types of quality metrics, pay for performance contracting, and specialty center and center of excellence designation. In addition, students are exposed to the design and implementation of a quality monitoring program in a cost containment environment.Approaches to System Improvement in Healthcare Operations This course introduces students to some of the key concepts, strategies and analytic tools of Operations Management as they apply to the delivery of patient care. The course focuses on the philosophy of continuous improvement, team skills and statistical thinking. Students practice the use of management tools for process analysis and design, capacity planning decision-making, and performance measurement. They also address the central question of how to improve clinical and non-clinical performance of health service. Marketing in Health Care Organizations Marketing plans are born from an organization's vision and mission, and are integral to the development and implementation of a successful strategic plan. This course focuses on the components of internal and external marketing of different health care organizations and services. Participants learn how to develop a marketing plan from conception through implementation, evaluation and monitoring. Seminar in Health Policy and Management This course explores contemporary trends and recent developments in an area of study not examined in other elective courses. Topics may change each term. Students should consult the program director for subject matter to be covered. Field Experience in Health Policy and Management Students explore the application of theory by working in an approved health services organization or equivalent. Field work is supervised by a faculty member who serves as liaison to the organization. Directed Research in Health Policy and Management This course includes advanced study and research in an area of interest chosen by the student in consultation with a faculty member. Opportunities for work on special problems are provided. Tutorial in Health Policy and Management This course offers a comprehensive individual study of a specific topic, guided by the professor. Health Policy and Management Capstone This course provides students an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to apply the general and specific public health knowledge they have learned through their graduate education. Students apply the case analysis method and will be introduced to the art and science of case writing. An in-depth understanding of current and emerging areas of critical interest to public health students will be presented through the analysis of actual cases from the annals of public health practice. This course requires students to work in groups that will simulate the public health work environment and encourage interdisciplinary expertise and knowledge association. Under special circumstances, and with prior approval of the department chair, HPM students may write a thesis as an alternative to the HPM capstone course. Thesis It is expected that the thesis will includes some independent research and integration of skills acquired by the student through coursework. The thesis includes formulation of research questions, methods to carry out the inquiry and presentation of results of the research. Some theses may requires approval of the university's Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to initiation of any thesis work. Students should work through their department chair/program advisor to determine if their thesis will require IRB review. Students must maintain regular contact with the program and thesis advisors during their thesis work. The Health Policy and Management Comprehensive Examination is the culminating experience for distance education students. This is a proctored comprehensive examination that covers all core areas of knowledge offered by the School of Public Health as well as the core areas of knowledge offered by the Health Policy and Management Department (see core requirements). Distance Education Students must earn a minimum score of 80% to complete this degree requirement. A reading list as well as more details regarding content will be available upon registration for the examination. All students pursuing an M.P.H. degree must complete a practicum. This is to ensure that students have an opportunity to apply in a public health setting, the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom. To fulfill this requirement, students will generally register for a one credit pass/fail course. Students who can demonstrate an exceptional practice experience prior to beginning their M.P.H. studies may apply for a waiver in writing eighteen months prior to graduation. Under the advisement of their faculty advisor and practicum coordinator, students must apply for the waiver in writing and attach accompanying documentation addressing the waiver criteria. The waiver application and documentation of the waiver criteria must be approved by the practicum waiver committee. Search | Intranet | Calendar | Email | Contacts | A To Z | Home |
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