This module aims at analysing and comparing the organization of health systems and health care reforms in the EU through the lens of health systems frameworks.

The module starts with health system theory in week 1, with special attention to the WHO building blocks. In monitoring the WHO building blocks of health systems, health system financing, alongside accompanying indicators and measurement strategies will be the focus of weeks 2 - 4. Developments in insurance schemes, health care markets, and access to health care, will be discussed through the lens of comparisons and classifications of health system structures in the EU. 

Weeks 5 - 7 will focus on fundamental concepts of health systems within the key reform trends of health systems that are integrated within the WHO building blocks listed below:

       · Value-based health systems. From a focus on the volume and profitability of services provided – physician visits, hospitalizations, procedures, and tests to a system based on patient outcomes achieved (value-based payment models).

       · Integrated health systems: From fragmented health systems, in which every local provider offers a full range of services (silos) to systems organized, in which services for particular medical conditions are concentrated in health delivery organizations and in the right locations to deliver high-value care (integrated care networks). 

       · Health information systems: the role of artificial intelligence in health care, leveraging health data and analytics, precision and personalized medicine, to name a few. In summary, how to build an enabling information technology platform in European health systems based on a value agenda? From knowledge-driven towards data-driven health systems.

       · Health system resilience. Building a health system involves ensuring that strategic health system frameworks exist and are combined with effective oversight, coalition-building, regulation, attention to system design and accountability. Health system resilience is also related to health shocks, such as the current pandemic.

Week 8 constitutes a reflection week, after the written exam.

Expert Compentency ILOs

E132. Evaluates health as a social, economic and political value, historically and in contemporary European settings

E133. Appraises and debates the value to society of various ways of defining health and health professional infrastructure

E531. Compares and classifies public health and health system structures in Europe

E532. Investigates, analyses and compares policies that give structure to public health and health systems in Europe

Investigator Compentency ILOs

I731. Evaluates the quality of interventions based on scientific criteria and historical best-practices

I732. Estimates the impact of interventions based on insights from scientific literature

Communicator Compentency ILOs

C1431. Adapts models of public health causality and promotion to specific needs of diverse populations

Professional Compentency ILOs

P1633. Behaves in a respectful, professional and reliable manner in tutor groups, practicals and group work