NURS 4360 Health Policy Analysis

Year
Year 4
Semester
First Semester
Credit
3
Program Description

Critical examination of healthcare legislation, funding models, and political influences on care.

Course overview

This course provides a critical examination of healthcare legislation, funding models, and political influences on care. You will explore how laws and government decisions shape the delivery of nursing services in Ontario. The curriculum covers the historical development of health policy, current legislative frameworks, and the financial structures that support public health institutions.

You will learn to use policy analysis frameworks to evaluate existing programs and identify areas for improvement. The course emphasizes the role of stakeholders, including professional regulatory bodies, patient advocacy groups, and government agencies, in the policy-making process. Through case studies and debates, you will develop the skills necessary to navigate the complex political landscape of modern healthcare.

Who takes this course

Credits: 3 · Hours: 45

Prerequisites

None

Learning outcomes

  • Analyze provincial healthcare legislation and its impact on nursing practice.
  • Evaluate funding models and resource allocation in public health systems.
  • Assess the role of political stakeholders in shaping health policy.
  • Apply policy analysis frameworks to current healthcare challenges.
  • Propose evidence-based recommendations for policy improvement.

Evaluation

Component Weight (%)
Policy brief 30
Legislative debate participation 20
Mid-term case study analysis 25
Final policy research paper 25