This interdisciplinary seminar traces the scientific, social, and political factors that have influenced the development of public health policy in the United States since 1800. Along with an analysis of changing scientific concepts of disease causation and public health practice, we critique the ways in which our definitions of sickness and health are socially constructed. Epidemiology P11.2865 Zimmerman and others. Epidemiologic methods for administrators, policy analysts, and planners. Studies of infectious and chronic diseases and conditions that affect groups of people.
Research methods covered include descriptive, observational, and experimental studies.
Comparative Perspectives P11.2867 Rodwin . All health systems in the industrialized world are grappling with problems of cost, access, equity and quality of health care, and the tradeoffs between these objectives. Reforms based on promoting markets, managed competition, public contracting, improved management, and changing financial incentives are some important issues under discussion in many countries. This seminar applies the tools of public policy analysis and draws on international comparisons of health systems to analyze efforts at health care reform. The readings, lectures, and class discussions should make students more knowledgeable about policy options and policy changes in different countries.