Essay topics for PUBH5752
Instructions: Choose one of the following topics. Research the topic and draft an essay. There are resources in your unit outline that will assist you in drafting an essay. Students are also advised to consult the unit guidebook for the marking guide used in grading the essay, a breakdown of marks allocation, and the formatting requirements.
1. In Australia, the prices charged by GPs are unregulated, although Medicare provides a fixed amount of reimbursement for standard GP consultations. Hence, GPs can choose to bulk-bill or charge higher price where patients are required to contribute a co-payment. Are there determinants of GPs' decisions to bulk-bill? Apply your findings in a discussion of what they mean for health policy in Australia.
2. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are considered a worthwhile expenditure of public resources in Australia. Discuss justification for this expenditure within a cost-effectiveness framework.
3. There is considerable debate around the benefit of foreign aid for health outcomes in developing countries, particularly with regard to sustainability of programs. Select at least 2 recipient countries and compare the impact of foreign aid on their broader economies.