Health Policy Analysis
A course that examines health and healthcare systems both at home and abroad through the lens of public policy. Topics in this area include the politics and economics of health care delivery, epidemiology, public health, comparative and global health, medical law and ethics, statistical tools and applications, and current health challenges and policies. The goal of health policy analysis, a multi-disciplinary method of studying public policy, is to provide light on how many institutions, interests, and ideas influence one another during the policymaking process. Health policy analysis is essential both in hindsight and foresight to learn from past policy triumphs and failures and to prepare for future policy implementation. A health policy analyst analyzes statistics. A large part of the work of a health policy analyst is to communicate complex statistical information in written reports. Health policy formulation happens after careful examination of available facts. It is also the responsibility of a health policy analyst to oversee health information databases. It involves keeping databases in good working order and upgrading them regularly. Analysts in this field also develop, launch, and keep tabs on various health-related initiatives.