Quality healthcare

Healthcare delivery in the 21st century operates within a complex political, economic and social environment. This presents many challenges requiring talented individuals, who can understand this complexity, and work with others, to deliver quality health services.
University of Southampton, UK, recently launched a BSc (Hons) healthcare management, policy and research, in response to a need for highly skilled leaders in healthcare management, policy development & analysis and health research.“The course was started in response to a skills shortage in health and social care sectors, which has been identified by employers,” explains Jane Prichard, programme lead and admissions officer, University of Southampton. Many organisations, she informs, struggle to find employees with the key knowledge and skills needed to understand and operate effectively in complex health systems. Specifically identified are skill deficits in relation to leadership, decision-making, understanding health policy and in the ability to understand and utilise evidence effectively. “A key objective of this course is to ensure that students are able to use analytical and research techniques, to evaluate and influence effectiveness, efficiency and equity of health policies and healthcare systems,” says Prichard.
Fact sheet
• Eligibility: Students are required to score at least 70% in class XII. English language requirements are set at IELTS 7 with no less than 6.5 in any component
• Cost: Rs 1,340,586
• Date: September 2014
• Duration: The duration of the course is four years and it includes a one-year paid work placement