HST309 Special Topics in Health Studies II: Changing Health Systems

This course was created by Dr. Paul Holyoke and launched for the first time in 2024-25.  He is the Vice-President of Research and Innovation at St Elizabeth Health Care's Research Centre and an expert in the evaluation of health care policies, programs and systems.  See his bio here.

Description: This course is an introduction to change in health systems – changes in policy, management, practice, and individuals’ health. We will explore what “health system” means in relation to the structural and social determinants of health. Within that context, we will explore some common theories about, and approaches to, change at the system level, at the provider organization/unit level, at the practice and provider level, and at the level of the person seeking/needing support from a health system. Through case examples, we will examine the challenges experienced by those wanting to make or prevent change

Upon completion of this course students will be able to:

• recognize and reflect on the complexity of making change in health systems
• identify paths and patterns of health system change in specific circumstances
• identify and critically analyze inherent or missing issues in change efforts by examining underlying processes, contexts, ideologies and values that have affected and will affect change at various levels in heath systems
• apply and adapt theories and analytical approaches to specific change issues and circumstances
• present health system change issues clearly and effectively