INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES
AVILA UNIVERSITY
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
IS 336 Health and Health Care Issues
Online
(3 credit hours)
Professors:
David Wissmann, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Sociology,
Department of Law and Justice Studies, Avila University
(816) 501-3643
Email: david.wissmann@avila.edu
Jeanne Wissmann, Ph.D., Adjunct Professor, Avila University
Email: jlwissmann@gmail.com
All communication (including course emails) is to be sent and received through the Canvas
course site.
Course Dates: August 23 – December 14, 2017
Prerequisites (Catalogs prior to 2015-2016): Completion of all Level I requirements and 15
hours of Level II requirements including a course from the Natural Sciences area and a course
from either the Social Institutions or Self and Society areas.
Course Description, Goals, and Objectives
This course identifies and examines current issues involving the health behaviors, health
status and health care of people in the United States. Among the specific issues included in
this course are: (1) the impact of health behaviors on health status and the health care system,
(2) the ethics of health care treatment and decision-making, (3) the patterns of health status
based on gender, age, race and income, (4) the cost of health care, (5) inequalities in access to
health care, and (6) alternative models of health care reform.
The objectives of the course are for students to examine:
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“health” and its’ determinants, including individual health behavior.
multiple health behaviors—prevalence, impact on the health status of the United
States collectively and of specific groups (e.g., gender, race, age)/ United States
collectively, and impact on the United States’ health care system.
the general health status and health risks of the U.S. population (overall in the U.S.,
by age, by gender, by race and ethnicity, by income).
health care disparities (quality of care, access, preventive care, acute treatment,
chronic disease management) related to age, race, ethnicity, and income in the U.S.
the effectiveness of the U.S. health system, including levels of satisfaction of the U.S.
population with the health system, opinions concerning health care reform, and the
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impact of the Patient Protection and Accordable Care Act.
Achievement of course and unit objectives will be assessed through evaluations of
performance on unit exams and selected issue presentation.
University-Wide Education Outcomes (for catalogs prior to 2015-2016)
The following university-wide education outcomes will be included in this course:
Communication
1. Read a document and demonstrate an understanding of its written and
quantitative content (assessed through unit exams and selected issue
presentation).
Higher Level Thinking
1. Employ skeptical, evaluative and logical approaches in processing information and
drawing conclusions (assessed through unit exams and selected issue
presentation)
Knowledge
1. The key social problems facing the contemporary world (assessed through unit
exams and selected issue presentation)
2. Cultural diversity in the U.S. and the world (assessed through unit exams and
selected issue presentation)
Level III Designation
Level III of the core curriculum at Avila requires students to complete at least six (6) credit
hours of courses with the following characteristics:
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Involve the expertise of faculty from at least two different academic disciplines,
Use primary sources,
Are titled to reflect course content,
Address specific topics or themes in depth,
Address some of the Knowledge and/or Personal/Spiritual and Social intended
learning outcomes, and
Are listed under the heading of IS (Interdisciplinary Studies).
This course, Health and Health Care Issues is designated as a Level III course. It meets each of
the six requirements listed above.
University-Wide Education Outcomes (2015-2016 catalog and beyond)
1. Critically analyze individual and collective human experiences and communicate
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sensitivity to self and others (assessed through unit exams and PowerPoint
assignments).
Interdisciplinary Studies Core Curriculum Designation (2015-2016 catalog and beyond)
1. The knowledge of the strengths and limits of disciplinary knowledge in
understanding a topic, question, or problem (assessed through unit exams and
PowerPoint assignments).
2. The ability to integrate, synthesize, and communicate knowledge from two or
more disciplines (assessed through unit exams and PowerPoint assignments).
PowerPoint Presentation, Readings, and Videos
Required PowerPoint presentations, readings, and videos are listed within each Unit
Overview. Links to the required presentation/reading/video are provided. Understanding
of the required PowerPoint presentations, readings, and videos will be essential for
successful completion of all course assignments. Additional recommended resources will
also be listed within each Unit Overview.
Unit Exams
The Unit 1-3 Exams are timed exams. They will become accessible 6 days prior to the due
date. Once you open the exam, a 60-minute timer will activate. Time remaining will always be
visible in the upper right corner of your screen. Your responses are automatically saved.
When finished, click “submit”. At the end of 60 minutes, if you haven’t clicked submit, the
exam will automatically shut. All responses entered before that point are automatically saved.
Each exam has a variety of question formats—multiple choice, multiple answer, true/false,
matching, and short essay.
Suggested preparation for Unit Exams:
o Complete all required readings/viewings listed on the Unit Overview page
o Consider taking notes, perhaps on the provided Unit Reading/Viewing Guides (all quiz
questions are addressed within these guides)
Grading System
The student's final grade will consist of the following:
Course Assignment
Introductory Discussion Board
Introductory Quiz
Unit 1 Exam (60 min time limit)
Selected Health/Healthcare Issue
PowerPoint Presentation Topic Proposal
Point
Allocation
1%
4%
15%
10%
Due Date
Sunday, Aug 27th (by midnight)
Sunday, Sept 3rd (by midnight)
Sunday, Sept 17th (by midnight)
Sunday, Oct 1st (by midnight)
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Unit 2 Exam (60 min time limit)
Unit 3 Exam (60 min time limit)
Selected Health/Healthcare Issue
PowerPoint Presentation
Responses to Selected Health/Healthcare
Issue PowerPoint Presentations (5)
TOTAL
15%
15%
35%
Sunday, Oct 22nd (by midnight)
Sunday, Nov 5th (by midnight)
Sunday, Nov 19rd (by midnight)
5%
Sunday, Dec 3rd (by midnight)
100%
LATE PENALTY: Assignments turned in after the due date listed will receive a 20% reduction
in the grade of the assignment. The last day that late assignments can be submitted is
December 14, 2017 (midnight).
Course Grades will be assigned using the following grading scale:
Letter
Grade
A
AB
BC
C-
% of Course
Points Earned
95-100
90-94
85-89
80-84
75-79
70-74
Letter
Grade
D
DF
% of Course Points
Earned
65-69
60-64
≤ 59
Your Responsibility and the Online Classroom
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It is your responsibility to learn how to navigate the Internet and the Avila Canvas
course site. You can best do that by spending time on the site and “playing” with some
of the functions. You can’t hurt anything, so go ahead and explore!! It is the only way
you are going to become comfortable with this learning format. While we may be able
to help a little, we are not computer experts. Ultimately, the functioning of technology
must be your responsibility.
Personal and system-wide technology problems are possible. These cannot be an
excuse for late assignment submissions—so plan ahead –plan to submit your
assignments early.
In general, instructors will respond to inquiries M-F within 24 hours. Instructors will
respond to weekend and school break inquiries within a similar timeframe—as much as
possible. Assignment due dates are typically on Sundays at midnight. It is recommended
that you plan ahead and begin assignments during the week in case you need instructor
assistance/communication for successful completion.
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Student Resources
The Learning Commons, Hooley –Bundschu Library
[https://www.avila.edu/hbl/AvilaLearningCommons/index.aspx]
Support Services [http://transformlearning.avila.edu/ITservices/]
The IT support-desk is located next to the circulation desk in the Learning Commons. The
IT support staff can solve problems with networks, computer-devices, software, and other
types of technology.
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Send an email to helpdesk@avila.edu or
Call 816-501-2900
Cheating and Plagiarism Policy
The policy of Avila University concerning cheating and plagiarism will be strictly followed in
this course. The University defines cheating to include the following practices: stealing an
exam; collaborating on projects where not allowed by the instructor; copying during exams;
exchanging information during exams; using unallowable information as designated by the
instructor; and buying, selling or stealing copies of exams or other projects. The University
defines plagiarism as taking ideas from another and passing them off as one's own. Included
here would be the practice of incorporating portions from a book or article into a paper and
not acknowledging the source; copying a whole paper or report directly from a book or
article; securing a paper or report from someone and submitting it as one's own work.
If evidence exists that one or more students have cheated or plagiarized in any way, all
concerned will receive a zero for that assignment. Should the same student(s) be involved
again in cheating or plagiarism on a later assignment, all concerned will receive a grade of “F”
for the course.
Disability Services
If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the office of Disability
Services early in the course so that your learning needs may be appropriately met. You will
need to provide documentation of your disability to the Disability Services before any
accommodations are arranged. The office, which is in lower Hodes Hall, is in the Learning
Center, call 816-501-3666 (telephone and TTY) for more information.
Course and Instructor Evaluation
Near the end of the course you will be asked to evaluate the course and give the instructors
constructive suggestions for improving the class. This evaluation will be anonymous and the
instructors will not receive a compilation of the results of the evaluations until final grades are
recorded. In addition, the instructors will appreciate comments and suggestions during the
course.
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Selected Health/Healthcare Issue PowerPoint Proposal, Presentation and Replies
Purpose:
This assignment provides you with the opportunity to investigate a health/healthcare
issue/topic of specific interest to you and to share your findings with your classmates.
Directions:
Identify a health/healthcare issue/topic from the list below that is of specific interest to
you (see list at end of syllabus). ONLY TOPICS FROM THE LIST WILL BE ACCEPTED.
SPECIFIC PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISEASES/DISORDERS WILL NOT BE APPROPRIATE
TOPICS.
1. Complete a preliminary search of your selected topic and begin to gather reputable,
relevant evidence. You will eventually need at least eight (8) reputable sources.
2. Send an email (via Canvas course site) to course professors, with an outline of your
proposed health/healthcare issue/topic.
Evaluation of Proposal Email (10% of course points)
Outlines a specific Health/Healthcare Issue that is relevant to course
objectives and content -Required Content:
1. Statement of proposed topic
2. Outline of the four sections (see items 3a-d below for list of
the four sections) of the proposed PowerPoint. Cite reputable
sources for each of the four sections.
3. Make sure to include at least 2 bullet points and cite reputable
sources for each of the 4 sections. Must use at least two (2)
scholarly references in the proposal (full citation required)
3. When your topic is approved, thoroughly research your selected topic. Gather
reputable, relevant evidence that will help you communicate the following:
a. Description of the issue/topic
b. Relevance and significance of the issue/topic to individuals, groups and
society
c. Impact of the issue/topic on health, health status, and healthcare in the
United States
d. Challenges/barriers to incidence reduction, implementation,
resolution/improvement? Note: DO NOT INCLUDE ANY DISCUSSION OF
SOLUTIONS.
4. Create a PowerPoint presentation that informs your classmates about your
selected issue/topic. You will submit your PowerPoint by replying to the
Selected Health/Healthcare Issue Discussion Board.
5. Evaluation of PowerPoint Presentation (35% of course points)
Scholarly presentation (60% of PowerPoint grade):
a) Presentation informs classmates about selected issue/topic in
an instructional mode.
b) Presentation does not promote a personal viewpoint or include
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personal opinion/experiences.
c) Presentation has four (4) major sections (Section heading slide
for each section required)
1) Selected health or health care issue/topic is described.
2) The relevance and significance of the selected health or
health care issue/topic for individuals, groups and society
is discussed.
3) The impact of the issue/topic on health, health status
and healthcare in the United States is addressed in a
specific manner.
4) Challenges/barriers (e.g., to incidence reduction,
implementation, resolution/improvement) are presented
and discussed. Note: DO NOT INCLUDE ANY DISCUSSION
OF SOLUTIONS.
Evidence/Research (10% of PowerPoint grade):
a) Presentation is well-researched, informative, thought
provoking, and based on a synthesis of facts and ideas from a
variety of authoritative references.
b) Information is presented in a logical, interesting sequence.
c) Relevant current data and research findings are presented
throughout the presentation.
Reputable Accurately Cited Sources (10% of PowerPoint grade):
a) Information is presented in your own words
b) Reputable sources are cited throughout the presentation in
order to attribute information to original source and to add
credibility to writing.
c) Appropriate credit is given for paraphrased/summarized
information from reputable sources.
d) In-text citation format is accurate.
e) No use of verbatim direct quotes.
Literature Cited (or Reference List) slide(s) (10% of PowerPoint
grade):
a) Provided at the conclusion of the PowerPoint presentation.
b) Reference for each cited source includes full publication
information.
c) References are included for all (and only those) sources cited
within the PowerPoint.
d) A formal style guide, e.g. APA, MLA is accurately used for
reference formatting.
PowerPoint presentation Format (10% of PowerPoint grade):
a) Includes 35+ slides. PowerPoint presentation begins with a
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b)
c)
d)
e)
title slide that identifies the topic of the presentation, your
name, and the date. PowerPoint presentation concludes with
Literature Cited (or References) slide (s).
Uses required section heading slide for each of the four major
sections (see above) of the PowerPoint
Consistent appropriate background, font, font size(s) and font
color combinations are used throughout the presentation.
Presentation effectively includes appropriate
graphics/images/diagrams. MAKE SURE TO
DESCRIBE/EXPLAIN WHAT IS PRESENTED IN EACH
TABLE, GRAPH OR DIAGRAM.
The overall appearance of the PowerPoint presentation is
appealing and contains no spelling, grammar, or punctuation
errors.
6. Create a reply to the Selected Health/Healthcare Issue Discussion Board.
Attach your developed PowerPoint presentation to your reply.
7. View your classmates’ PowerPoint presentations. Post replies to at least five.
Evaluation of Replies (5% of course points, 1%/reply)
• Reply identifies what was learned from the presentation
• Reply expands the discussion of the issue/topic
• Reply is at least two (2) paragraphs in length
List of Topics:
• Electronic Health Records (EHR)
• Long term care services
• Mergers (between hospitals)
• Ambulatory care services
• Mergers (between pharmaceutical companies)
• Hospice services
• Home health services
• Consumer use of internet health information sites (e.g. WebMD)
• Concierge Medicine
• Health services for veterans
• Epidemic preparedness
• Safe staffing levels
• Hospital Safety Scores or report cards
• Physician Quality Reporting System (PQRS)
• Changing physician payment trends
• Health Insurance portability
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Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) project
Patient centered medical homes
Walk-in Clinics (e.g. Minute Clinic, Urgent Care)
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