Economic Analysis in Healthcare – BUSI 629

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

Focused on the economics of healthcare, this course will explore how healthcare economics is unique. Students will be exposed to different techniques used for economic assessment of economic evaluation studies and related publications. For-profit and not-for-profit provider firms, information problems in healthcare markets, regulation, financing of healthcare, and healthcare reform issues will be explored.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

The purpose of the course is to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as information retention and retrieval capacity so students can examine and discern between efficient and inefficient models of healthcare provision. Students will examine value-based models with an emphasis on understanding the economics involved in cost controls. The course will provide a path for future healthcare managers to make decisions based on market demand, profitability, risk, and regulations.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (7)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 600 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be at least 300 words. The student must include at least 2 citations for each thread and at least 1 citation for each reply. Current APA format must be used. References must come from peer-reviewed journals no less than five years old. The textbook does not count as a peer-reviewed journal reference. Biblical integration detailing scripture or a Christian worldview is required for the initial thread and both replies. Such integration should be substantive in nature and connect to the scope of the discussion. 

Research Project Assignments (5)

The student will write a 15-page research paper in current APA format that focuses on an applied issue related to economic analysis in healthcare. The paper must include at least 20 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible. All 20 references must be less than 5 years old. The student will complete a research topic selection, an annotated bibliography, an outline, a draft, and a final paper in order to complete this project. Each research project activity must feature evidence of biblical or Christian worldview integration.

Research Project: Topic Proposal Assignment

Identification of key current problems involving healthcare organizations and economic/financial decision-making requires research and problem statement development. The student is expected to provide a submission of no less than 500 words, utilizing three peer-reviewed journal articles detailing his or her desired research project. Organizations under consideration should include but are not limited to hospitals, long term care, non-profit organizations specializing in healthcare, and the like. A Biblical integration demonstrating why solving such problems utilizing a Christian worldview is required.

Research Project: Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The student must list at least 20 scholarly sources from peer-reviewed journals not including the course textbook and the Bible. A single paragraph of 50–75 words must be provided to give a brief description of each resource. Journal references must be five years old or less. 

Research Project: Outline Assignment

The student must create an outline that includes a thesis statement, the research questions/issues being addressed, how much space will be allotted for each section of the paper, and a preliminary reference list of at least 20 scholarly articles from peer-reviewed journals less than five years old. 

Research Project: Draft Assignment

The student will create a full rough draft of the research project. This assignment must be at least 15 pages and include at least 20 scholarly peer-reviewed journal articles less than five years old. In the introduction, the student must clearly identify 2 or 3 main discussion points of the literature review. 

Research Project: Final Assignment

The final submission for this project will maintain the same parameters as the draft. However, the student will receive feedback on the draft from his/her instructor and must revise the final based upon this feedback. 

Quizzes (8)

Each quiz will cover the Learn material for the assigned module. Each quiz will be open-book/open-notes, contain 10 multiple-choice and true/false questions, allow for one attempt, and have a 30-minute time limit.