We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Angus Corbett

This course uses comparative analysis of health care systems to gain a better understanding of health care systems in several high-income, middle-income and low-income countries. One focus of analysis in this course will therefore be to develop a better knowledge of these health care systems. A second focus will be to use to this analysis to gain a better understanding of the health care system in the United States. This analysis is relevant for those who are directly interested in the United States, but it is also relevant for those students who are seeking to enhance knowledge of the health care systems in their home countries by gaining a better understanding of the United States’ health care system.

Read more

This course uses comparative analysis of health care systems to gain a better understanding of health care systems in several high-income, middle-income and low-income countries. One focus of analysis in this course will therefore be to develop a better knowledge of these health care systems. A second focus will be to use to this analysis to gain a better understanding of the health care system in the United States. This analysis is relevant for those who are directly interested in the United States, but it is also relevant for those students who are seeking to enhance knowledge of the health care systems in their home countries by gaining a better understanding of the United States’ health care system.

A comparative analysis of health systems will help managers and health care professionals who are responsible for optimizing organizational outcomes by improving the quality of health care and simultaneously reducing the costs of health care. The course will use of a combination of the World Health Organization building blocks framework along with theories of complex systems to establish a framework to compare health systems in a number of high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries. This analysis will develop the capacity of managers to critically evaluate relationships between their organizations and the broader set of interactions between the building blocks that make up particular health care systems.

Enroll now

Two deals to help you save

We found two deals and offers that may be relevant to this course.
Save money when you learn. All coupon codes, vouchers, and discounts are applied automatically unless otherwise noted.

What's inside

Syllabus

Foundations of Comparative Health Systems
This module will define the goals of comparative analysis of health systems, define the concept of universal health coverage, and introduce the World Health Organization Building Blocks Framework as the methodology for that analysis.
Read more
The United States - A High-Income Country Without Universal Healthcare
This module explores the peculiarities of the U.S. healthcare system by examining the system through the lens of the WHO Building Blocks Framework.
Germany and England - Self-Governing Systems of Healthcare
This module examines the health systems of Germany and England - two high-income countries that have committed to systems of universal health coverage but in different ways.
Brazil and China - Middle-Income Countries Moving Towards Universal Health Coverage
In the final module of the course, we examine two large middle-income countries and the challenges they face while moving towards systems of universal health coverage.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores international health systems, which is relevant to current events and global health concerns
Develops an understanding of the U.S. health care system and its unique characteristics
Examines health systems in Germany and England, providing insights into different approaches to universal health coverage
Analyzes health systems in Brazil and China, showcasing the challenges and opportunities in middle-income countries
Uses a combination of the World Health Organization building blocks framework and complex systems theories to provide a comprehensive analysis
Examines relationships between health care organizations and the broader health care system

Save this course

Save Comparative Health Systems to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save

Reviews summary

Comparative healthcare systems analysis

Learners say Comparative Health Systems is a well-received course that provides a detailed analysis of healthcare systems around the world. The course offers engaging assignments and an informative syllabus covering various healthcare topics, such as financing, governance, care delivery, pharmaceuticals, and workforce. Students appreciate the instructor's passion, knowledge, and organization. However, some students suggest updating the course to include recent healthcare developments, such as COVID-19.
Engaging and well-paced
"Good pacing, the videos are well divided in a way that isn't tiring."
"I also enjoyed the questions before the video with the answer. It made me think, instead of just watching and learning what was being said."
"I also loved the first video, where the professor suggested us to do a self-assessment."
Comprehensive and well-structured
"Great course! I learned about different health systems in terms of finance, governance, care delivery, pharmaceuticals, and workforce."
"The course actually leaves me quite confused - there are a few points of criticism/ of warning I want to put out there."
"He just read it off, but in short discussion videos, he spoke freely and I was able to follow much, much better."
Knowledgeable and passionate instructor
"Very interesting course and a really good instructor. "
"The professor was passionate and knowledgeable"
"The professor is amazing and organized and the content is engaging."
Highly informative and engaging course
"Very informative course. "
"Very interesting and well-presented course."
"Great course! Excellent learnings and overview as well as comparison to other healthcare systems around the world."
Needs updating with recent developments
"The content of the course is quite good, although a bit dense. However, it needs to be updated since covid."
"With last two years of COVID think that the general conclusion in Week 1 about highly developed countries just dealing with chronic disease instead of epidemics needs to be caveated."
"Also in discussing the Affordable Care Act, please note that there is no longer a penalty involved (court decision) for not having insurance."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Comparative Health Systems with these activities:
Read 'The World Health Report'
Provides a comprehensive overview of global health systems and challenges
Show steps
  • Read each chapter thoroughly
  • Take notes on key concepts and data
  • Discuss your insights with classmates
Connect with Health Systems Professionals
Provides access to expert insights and guidance, enhancing understanding of health systems practices and career paths.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors in the health systems field.
  • Reach out to mentors and request informational interviews or mentorship opportunities.
Review Introduction to Health Systems
Activating prior knowledge of health systems will help you build a stronger foundation for the course.
Browse courses on Health Systems
Show steps
  • Take notes or record key concepts from introductory materials
  • Pretend to explain the concepts to someone who has no background in the subject
  • Practice using the key vocabulary in a discussion with a classmate or study group
18 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 21 activities
Review international health literature
Refreshes your understanding of health systems and prepares you for the course's comparative analysis approach
Browse courses on Health Systems
Show steps
  • Identify relevant journals and articles
  • Read and summarize key findings
  • Discuss your findings with peers
Watch a tutorial on the WHO Building Blocks Framework
Enhance your understanding of the conceptual framework used to compare health systems in this course.
Browse courses on Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
  • Search for a tutorial covering the WHO Building Blocks Framework.
  • Watch the tutorial and take notes on the key concepts.
Health Systems Discussion Group
Fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and critical thinking through discussions on current health systems issues and course topics.
Show steps
  • Join or form a discussion group.
  • Prepare for discussions by reviewing course materials and researching relevant topics.
Join a study group to discuss the similarities and differences between Germany and England's health systems
Gain insights from peers and engage in meaningful discussions about the healthcare systems of different countries.
Browse courses on Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
  • Find a study group or create one with classmates.
  • Review the course materials on Germany and England's health systems.
  • Prepare discussion topics and questions to facilitate the session.
  • Participate in the study group and share your perspectives.
Concept Map Health Care Systems
Creating a concept map will help you visualize the relationships between different aspects of health care systems, helping you better understand their structure and functions.
Browse courses on Health Care Delivery
Show steps
  • Identify key concepts related to health care systems.
  • Group and categorize the concepts according to their relationships.
  • Create a visual representation of the concepts and their connections.
  • Analyze the map to identify patterns and insights.
Participate in a Class Discussion Forum
Engaging in discussions with peers will expose you to diverse perspectives and deepen your understanding of the material.
Browse courses on Online Discussion
Show steps
  • Read the assigned readings and come prepared to discuss the main themes
  • Actively participate in the discussion by sharing your own thoughts and responding to others
  • Summarize the key points and takeaways from the discussion
Compare health indicators across countries
Develops your ability to analyze and interpret health data from different countries
Browse courses on Health Indicators
Show steps
  • Identify relevant health indicators
  • Collect data from credible sources
  • Create visualizations to compare indicators
  • Draw conclusions and identify patterns
Comparative Health System Analysis Exercises
Engaging in practice exercises will sharpen your analytical skills and deepen your understanding of how different health systems operate and compare.
Browse courses on Health Care Delivery
Show steps
  • Review the key principles of comparative health system analysis.
  • Select a specific aspect of health care systems for comparison, such as financing, service delivery, or outcomes.
  • Gather data from relevant sources to compare different systems on the chosen aspect.
  • Analyze the data to identify similarities and differences between the systems.
  • Draw conclusions and discuss the implications of your findings.
Form a Healthcare System Study Group
Discuss and engage with peers around healthcare system topics, fostering a deeper understanding through active recall and shared perspectives.
Show steps
  • Find a group of peers interested in healthcare systems
  • Set up regular meetings
  • Take turns presenting on different healthcare systems
  • Discuss and compare the different systems
Create a Mind Map of a Health System
Creating a mind map of a health system will help you visualize and understand the complex interactions between different components.
Show steps
  • Choose a specific health system to focus on, such as the US or a developing country
  • Research and gather information on the different components of the health system, such as financing, service delivery, and regulation
  • Create a mind map that visually represents the relationships between the components, using colors, shapes, and annotations
  • Share your mind map with others and discuss your findings
Write a blog post comparing the healthcare systems of Brazil and China
Deepen your understanding of these countries' healthcare systems and practice your communication skills.
Browse courses on Universal Health Coverage
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on Brazil and China's healthcare systems.
  • Analyze the similarities and differences between the systems.
  • Write a blog post outlining your findings and insights.
  • Share your blog post and engage with readers.
Health Systems Policy Brief
Enhances analytical, writing, and communication skills while applying course concepts to address real-world health systems challenges.
Show steps
  • Identify a specific health policy issue.
  • Research and analyze the issue using course frameworks and external sources.
  • Develop policy recommendations based on your analysis.
  • Write a concise policy brief outlining your findings and recommendations.
Infographic: Comparing Health Care Systems
Creating an infographic will help you synthesize your understanding of different health care systems and communicate it clearly and visually.
Browse courses on Health Care Systems
Show steps
  • Choose a specific topic or aspect of health care systems to focus on.
  • Gather data and information about the chosen topic.
  • Design a visually appealing infographic using charts, graphs, and images.
  • Present the information in a clear and concise manner.
  • Share the infographic with others to educate them about the topic.
Write a blog post on a specific health system
Allows you to apply your knowledge and synthesize your understanding of a particular health system
Browse courses on Health Systems
Show steps
  • Choose a health system to focus on
  • Research and gather information
  • Write a clear and concise blog post
  • Publish and share your post
Develop a resource library on health systems
Allows you to organize and synthesize relevant information from multiple sources, deepening your understanding of health systems
Browse courses on Health Systems
Show steps
  • Identify and gather a variety of resources
  • Organize and categorize the resources
  • Create a user-friendly platform or repository
  • Share your resource library with others
Develop a Comparative Framework for Healthcare Systems
Create a comprehensive framework for comparing healthcare systems, solidifying your grasp of the course concepts through practical application and synthesis.
Browse courses on Comparative Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify the key dimensions for comparing healthcare systems
  • Develop a set of criteria for each dimension
  • Create a matrix or other visualization tool to compare the different systems
Design a health policy brief
Enhances your ability to translate your understanding of health systems into actionable recommendations
Browse courses on Health Policy
Show steps
  • Identify a health policy issue
  • Research and gather evidence
  • Develop policy recommendations
  • Write a clear and concise policy brief
Participate in a health systems simulation
Provides a hands-on experience in managing and evaluating health systems under different conditions
Browse courses on Scenario Analysis
Show steps
  • Find a reputable simulation competition
  • Prepare your team and develop strategies
  • Participate in the simulation
  • Reflect on your experience and identify areas for improvement

Career center

Learners who complete Comparative Health Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Nurses better understand the context in which they provide care and make better decisions about how to care for their patients.
Social Worker
Social Workers help people navigate the healthcare system and access the services they need. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Social Workers better understand the context in which they work and provide better support to their clients.
Health Educator
Health Educators promote health and wellness in a variety of settings. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Health Educators better understand the context in which they work and develop more effective health promotion programs.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems are structured and financed. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help those in a career as a Policy Analyst make better recommendations for healthcare policy.
Healthcare Administrator
Healthcare Administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the delivery of health care services. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Healthcare Administrators make better decisions about how to allocate resources and improve the quality of care.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications and provide information about their use. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Pharmacists better understand the context in which they work and provide better care to their patients.
Dentist
Dentists diagnose and treat dental problems. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Dentists better understand the context in which they work and provide better care to their patients.
Healthcare Consultant
Healthcare Consultants advise healthcare organizations on how to improve their operations and achieve their goals. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help those in a career as a Healthcare Consultant make better recommendations to improve healthcare organizations.
Medical Writer
Medical Writers develop and write medical content for a variety of audiences. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Medical Writers better understand the context in which they work and develop more effective medical content.
Public Health Analyst
Public Health Analysts research and analyze public health data to identify and address health problems. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Public Health Analysts better understand the context in which they work and develop more effective public health programs.
Physician
Physicians diagnose and treat human illnesses and injuries. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Physicians better understand the context in which they practice medicine and make better decisions about how to care for their patients.
Health Economist
Health Economists apply economic principles to the healthcare industry. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems are financed and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Health Economists make better recommendations for healthcare policy.
Health Information Manager
Health Information Managers oversee the collection, storage, and use of health information. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Health Information Managers better understand the context in which they work and develop more effective systems for managing health information.
Healthcare Researcher
Healthcare Researchers conduct research to improve the quality, effectiveness, and accessibility of healthcare. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Healthcare Researchers design and conduct better research studies.
Health Insurance Specialist
Health Insurance Specialists help people understand and choose health insurance plans. This course may be useful for those interested in this career, as it provides an in-depth understanding of how different healthcare systems operate and how economic factors affect the delivery of health care. The course also covers the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare systems around the world. This knowledge would help Health Insurance Specialists better understand the context in which they work and provide better guidance to their clients.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Comparative Health Systems.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of comparative health systems. It valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the different approaches to health care delivery and financing around the world.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of health and health care. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in understanding the economic principles that underlie the design and performance of health systems.
Provides an overview of the health care system in the United States. It would be especially useful for students interested in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities facing the US health care system.
Examines the political economy of health care. It would be especially useful for students interested in understanding the political and economic factors that shape the design and performance of health systems.
Provides an overview of the global health system. It would be especially useful for students interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the global health system.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to Comparative Health Systems.
Introduction to the United States Health Care System
Most relevant
Understanding and Strengthening Health Systems
Most relevant
Global Blindness: Planning and Managing Eye Care Services
Most relevant
Achieving Health Equity in Healthcare
Most relevant
Mental Health History and Treatment
Most relevant
Health Systems Strengthening
Most relevant
Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health
Most relevant
Advancing Health Equity: A Guide to Reducing Bias in...
Most relevant
Dairy Production and Management
Most relevant
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser