DISCOVERING WHAT WORKS IN HEALTH POLICY

PUBAFFR 340

Many types of evidence can be incorporated into the policy process. Evidence is interpreted while considering quality and ethics, and effectively translated from scientific sources into useful communications and data visualizations. Evidence is examined from across a wide range of policy areas including healthcare, poverty, climate change, among others - all while considering the current reality of big data and algorithmic information environments. A broad understanding is required to translate evidence meaningfully and ethically into the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy.

POPHLTH 805

Focuses on the use of viewpoints and design/analytical tools to render possible the estimation of causal effects in epidemiologic studies. Students learn about the rationale and use of study designs/analytic tools that build upon but are substantially different from the most common approaches used in epidemiologic research (experimental studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies).

PUBAFFR 863

Explore factors that influence health outcomes in the United States. Review policies that affect the organization and financing of health care and public health systems. Apply systems approaches to evaluate health policy and health outcomes in the United States. Apply practical strategies to understand and communicate about health challenges and policy approaches to improve population health within complex, dynamic systems.

PUBAFFR 242

We have entered a new era of "big data." It is now possible to collect and analyze genetic information, digital health records, and many other types of data quickly, cheaply, and non-invasively from large numbers of people. This new wealth of information creates exciting opportunities for more targeted, individualized approaches to health care and better management of public health risks such as age-related diseases or pandemics. However, it also creates policy challenges such as privacy, discrimination, equality, and fairness. Covers what types of health-relevant data exist, how such data is typically analyzed and used, and discuss what types of applications this enables, what type of policy challenges this brings about, and which options policy makers have to deal with these challenges. Analytic methods will include regression, principal component and cluster analysis, statistical approaches for prediction, how to interpret the results of such analyses and their limitations.

PUBAFFR 201

Offers an introduction to health policy in the United States. Examines the ways in which government plays a role in the provision and regulation of health care. Explores key aspects of health policy including the economics of health care (e.g., paying for and access to health care; the health care workforce; the role of markets and consequences of market/government failures, public policy that supports or promotes health; health care outcomes, quality, and disparities; and tools for evaluation) and special topics of interest such as policy addressing risky health behaviors, aging, mental health, and the Affordable Care Act. Think critically about public and private health issues using the policy analysis process, including policy interventions and their justifications, and gain skills in articulating and communicating policy positions.