Everyday Politics in Healthcare Systems
In this unit we build on last week’s learning, taking a local perspective on the political economy of health and exploring the everyday politics of healthcare within the local community. Politics plays out in a multitude of ways within the local community; and by examining various case studies, you will explore different aspects of how global and national politics translate at the local level, as well as how local politics interacts with healthcare delivery.
Healthcare organizations, like other types of organizations, also experience internal politics also known as ‘organizational’ or ‘office’ politics. This can have both positive and negative impacts on organizational development within teams and divisions, and across the organization. This also impacts in different ways on population health outcomes.
Understanding the politics embedded in health and healthcare delivery at the micro-level helps healthcare managers to navigate and deploy strategies that will support organizational goals and visions that are health-promoting for the populations they serve.
In this unit we shall:
• Explore how the political economy plays out at the local level of healthcare delivery.
• Analyze how politics plays out within healthcare organizations.
• Explore case studies of political economy in healthcare at the local level.
On completion of this unit you will be able to:
• Describe by way of example, how ‘political economy’ plays out in your local context.
• Explain through example how everyday ‘organizational politics’ impacts on healthcare within your community – and within a healthcare organization.
• Demonstrate your ability to think strategically as a healthcare manager, navigating the politics.
