Decision Making in HealthcareModule Details

Course/Module Description:

Good decisions underpin good health services at every level. The key message of this module is that decision-making can be improved, by effective use of data and modelling, an understanding of both rational and non-rational approaches and by the development of ethical judgement.

Course/Module Objectives:

The main objectives of the course are:

1. To enable students to analyse complex decisions from a number of perspectives, to appraise evidence and to evaluate underpinning organisational, social and technological processes
2. To explore deconstructing and critiquing specific decisions influencing health services by using real life reports and inquiries
3. To draw on contemporary issues and challenges facing health care as reported in the media, enacted through policy guidance and through accounts of experiences.

Course/Module Learning Outcomes:

After completion of the course students are expected to be able:

1. To deconstruct a complex decision using theoretical models, from problem analysis through to implementation and evaluation
2. To identify key influences and descriptors including personal and human factors; technology; laws, guidelines and processes; values, ethics and culture
3. To explain the importance of judgement in decision-making and outcomes, identifying critical points of commitment, closure/action and opportunities for intervention
4. To debate the role of partnership and collaborative decision-making - with people using services, commissioning or providing - in health care, establishing the case for inclusive approaches in a given area specialism or region.