OCT 625 Advocacy, Health Policy & Management I

4 Credit(s)

This course will focus on the critical examination of disability policy, activism, and health equity in a global context. Students will gain a fundamental understanding of public health, health policy, and its impact on the management of clinical practice. An overview of issues related to management, leadership and advocacy in a variety of occupational therapy-based practice settings will be explored. Management functions, leadership theories, service planning, quality improvement, and financial management will be emphasized. Tools and strategies for evaluating and assessing leadership development, including personal leadership style and strengths, as well as best practices for developing leadership skills will be reviewed. Students will create a personal leadership development plan directed toward leadership aril advocacy within their own practice settings or areas of interest. Students will examine the major structures of health organizations, legislation, regulatory agencies and reimbursement systems that influence practice. Students will promote professional advocacy through participation in current state and national lobbying efforts affecting occupational therapy practice. Four lecture hours per week.
Prerequisites: OCT majors only.