The Institute of Public Administration (IPA) in Dublin has more than doubled the number of places available for the Diploma in Health Economics, due to begin in October. The one-year part-time course was initiated last year with eight participants and this year it has been expanded to accommodate 15-20 people.
The diploma is the first of its kind in Ireland and is aimed at people interested in the provision of healthcare, particularly those already working in the sector.
According to Stephen Weir, course director, the diploma is designed to equip students to allocate available resources and identify problem areas.
"When people think of economics they think of markets and money," said Mr Weir. "But there's more to it than that. Health economics looks at how resources can be used to improve the health of the nation as a whole."
The diploma is awarded by the National University of Ireland (NUI) and its modules will be taught through a combination of distance learning and intensive seminars.
"Between 1997 and 2002, employment in the health sector increased by 47 per cent, spending increased by 125 per cent but inpatient discharge has gone up by only 4 per cent. We have more money and more staff going in but are we seeing adequate results? This is something that we can teach people so that they can use the resources we have to maximise results," said Mr Weir.
Last year students from a variety of healthcare backgrounds including administration, occupational therapy and health insurance, completed the course. Almost all participants are mature students and the course is adapted to their needs.
For more information contact the IPA on tel: 01-2403600 or e-mail: educ@ ipa.ie