Graduate Certificate in Health Services Research and Development

Overview

Health services research (HSR) strength comes from the application of many disciplines to health service issues including health economics, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and evaluation techniques. The Centre for Health Service Development (CHSD) at the University of Wollongong is one of the largest centres for Health Services Research in Australia and that extensive experience in the conduct of health services research is a core underpinning of this new academic award.

The Graduate Certificate in Health Services Research and Development will equip students with basic skills required to understand and conduct health services research.

On successful completion of the Graduate Certificate in Health Services Research and Development, students may apply to enter the Masters of Health Services (Research) program. Students may also wish to supplement their skills in health services research by also undertaking the Graduate Certificate in Survey Research methods (see over) or by undertaking the Graduate Certificates in the Master of Public Health program.

This course is aimed to suit the needs of a wide variety of careers including those working in:

• policy, planning and public health units of health agencies
• universities
• health research units and centres
• clinical units

Entry Requirement

Course Delivery

Duration

Location

Fees

Contact Details

Program Structure

Graduate Certificate in Health Services Research and Development has four core subjects totalling 24 credit points.

Health Services Research Design
In this subject students will examine issues in the design of health services research, and then explore the foundations for choosing methods and techniques in applied health services research. Students will develop and extend analytical skills required for successful research, including statistical design techniques, the use of relevant software, case studies, ethnography, and surveys, as well as ethical issues in health services research and the influence of ethical considerations on research methods and methodology.

Quantitative Analysis for Health Services Research
Health service research analysis provides an introduction to statistical data analysis techniques. Topics covered are: data presentation and interpretation; probability, binomial and Poisson distributions; Normal distribution; inference for single samples; comparison of two samples; analysis of variance and multiple comparisons; linear regression and correlation; analysis of categorical variables and contingency tables, logistic regression and standardisation. It will involve the use of a statistical analysis package.

Health Services Evaluation and Development
This subject provides an overview of key aspects of the organisation and funding of health services, some of the core health service research tools and an overview of how to translate research findings into practice. Research tools include measurement of health status and determinants of health, health needs assessment and gap analysis, health service performance measurement and introduction to basic evaluation techniques including program evaluation and evaluation designs. Research translation strategies include service planning, service development and service re-design.

Health Economic Principles and Research Methods
This subject provides an overview of the health care system and research methodologies commonly used by health economists. Specific topics will include the analysis of health care markets and their special characteristics. Both factor markets (such as those for medical doctors and nurses) and goods and services markets (such as ambulatory and hospital care, pharmaceuticals and health insurance) will be analysed. Considerable attention will be given to economic evaluation in health care including cost effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost benefit analysis.

Health is one of the largest industries in Australia. There is a major ongoing need for staff skilled in health service research techniques to enhance the efficiency, quality, sustainability and affordability of health services. This need is increased by the current focus on reform of the health system.