Module 3: Health Systems Tutorial Slides S2 2025

Introduction to
Public Health
Curtin School of
Population Health
PUBH1000
Module 3:
Public Health
Systems

Public
Health
Systems
Welcome
to today's
class!
01
02
03
04
Acknowledgement of country
Module learning outcomes
Health system features
Zombie apocalypse
Today's Agenda
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J

Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J
We acknowledge the Whadjuk people
of the Nyungar nation on whose land we are
gathered and pay our respects to
elders past and present.
As representatives of Curtin University we are proud to honour the Nyungar people and value this
place of shared learning. We recognise the impacts of colonisation on Indigenous Australians and
as active participants in reconciliation we are committed to moving forward together in a spirit of
mutual honour and respect.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Learning
Outcomes
• Identify key attributes of the
Australian health care system.
• Describe the public health
workforce.
• Examine core competencies for
public health practice.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Health System vs
Health Care System
• Health care system:
activities and institutions in a society that deliver health care services to the
population. These comprise health departments, hospitals, clinics and services
(medical, nursing, dental, traditional health care), etc. - all being distinguishable
systems of health care or parts thereof.
• National health care system:
health sector of a society or country, encompasses policies, programs, institutions
and actors that provide health care - organised efforts to treat and prevent disease.
Note that, beyond the official or mainstream health care, the non-official, unorthodox
health practices and care traditions also constitute part of a country's health care
system.
• Health system:
includes the entire national health care system as well as all those extraneous matters
which are either directly or indirectly associated with health especially the
surrounding environment of the health care system and the population served.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Source: International health care
systems
(Module 3 Reading, p55)

What is a Good Health System?
"A good health system delivers quality services to all people when and
where they need them.“ - World Health Organization (2018)
Key Characteristics of Australia's Health System:
• Universal coverage through Medicare
• Mixed public-private delivery and funding
• Federal system with shared responsibilities
• Comprehensive services from prevention to treatment
• Strong primary healthcare foundation
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Key Components of the
Australian Health System
Public Health
e.g. prevention initiatives, health literacy, immunisation programs, food safety
regulation
Primary Health Care
e.g. general practice, allied health, pharmacy, community health - first point of
contact
Referred Medical Services
e.g. specialist care for complex conditions, typically requires referral
Hospitals
e.g. admitted and non-admitted patients, emergency care, outpatient clinics
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Australia’s
health
system
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Australian
Institute
of
Health
and
Welfare
2014
Australia’s
health
2014.
Australia’s
health
series
no.
14.
Cat.
no.
AUS
178.
Canberra:
AIHW.

Watch this video and discuss
The U.S. has the world's most
expensive health care system, but
it leaves roughly 30 million people
uninsured. As policymakers
consider making changes, some
are looking to Australia as a
model. This nation has achieved
universal health coverage at a
lower cost, using a successful mix
of public and private systems.
William Brangham reports for a
PBS series The Best Health Care?
America and the World.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
WARNING: Contains reference to the undead and may contain plot holes
S C E N A R I O
A P O C A LY P S E

Scenario based learning
Interrogate the scenario to
identify knowledge gaps and
develop questions that need
to be answered to progress a
response.
Module 3:
Catalyst
Explore research literature
and data to find answers to
help understand the
complexities in the scenario.
Module 4:
Discovery
Consolidate research
findings to help explain the
scenario and develop
potential public health
responses.
Module 5:
Synthesis
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse

Scenario Part 1
In March 2025, five people have been treated for acute symptoms of cerebral dysfunction and fever after
being admitted to Royal Perth Hospital and Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency departments. Two of the
patients died. All five patients developed further symptoms of erratic behaviour (such as biting, thrashing
about, spasms, and delusions) and generalised dystonia. All patients' conditions deteriorated despite
courses of antibiotic treatment. Three patients continue to be monitored closely. The bodies of the two
dead patients have disappeared from the morgue. The patients did not know each other.
zombie
apocalypse
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

Example questions
• What sort of disease are we dealing with? What are the symptoms? How
can we identify if someone has this disease?
• How is the disease transmitted? Is there an incubation period?
• Do the cases have anything in common? Shared attributes or risk factors?
Have they been exposed to something in the same location?
• What is different about the cases? Does the disease progression vary and
what differences between cases may influence this?
• What do the cases think caused it? What were their exposures before
becoming ill?
• How does this (probable) organism work?
• Is an intermediate host or environment likely to be involved?
• How does this organism interact with its host?
• Where does the organism come from? What is its origin?
What is the issue?
What is the size of the issue?
How serious is the issue?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Scenario Part 2
Scientists have identified the cause as a virus (dubbed Z -21) of zoonotic origins but it is only fatal to
humans. Antigens have been isolated in several quokkas (Setonix brachyurus) on Rottnest island
(Wadjemup). Z-21 works by traveling through the bloodstream, from the initial point of entry to the brain.
Through means not yet fully understood, the virus uses the cells of the frontal lobe for replication,
destroying them in the process. During this period, all bodily functions cease. By stopping the heart, the
infected subject is rendered "dead." The brain, however, remains alive but dormant, while the virus mutates
its cells into a completely new organ. Once mutation is complete, this new organ re-animates the body into
a form that bears little resemblance (physiologically speaking) to the original corpse. The original remaining
three patients zero had delayed disease progression but have now died and re-animated. All five patients
zero have now been identified as sharing the common characteristic of being blue eyed. The virus appears
to be neither waterborne nor airborne. Infection can occur only through direct contact with infected body
fluids. A bite by a re-animated corpse is the most recognisable means of transmission, although people
have also been infected by brushing their open wounds against those of an ‘undead’ or by being splattered
by their remains after an explosion. An international sporting event held in Australia has been identified as a
superspreading event and led to Z-21 infection in three other countries. Infection rates differ between these
countries with one country in complete lockdown as Z-21 overtakes the majority of the population. The
World Health Organization has declared a public health emergency of international concern under the
International Health Regulations.

Example questions
• What is a virus? What does zoonotic mean?
• How did disease progression get delayed in three patients zero? What
was different about them or their treatment?
• How many people have been exposed, in what areas, over what
periods of time?
• Why are blue eyed people affected? Is there a genetic aspect?
• What are the implications for prevention of the transmission mode?
• What are the relevant differences between the countries? Has there
been different reactive measures put in place? Are there different
health systems capacities?
• What are the International Health Regulations?
Who is most affected?
What are the determinants/risk factors of
the problem? Social, biological,
environmental, economic?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
zombie
apocalypse

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Scenario Part 3
All Australian governments have declared a state of emergency. In Western Australia the declaration was
enabled through section 56 of the Emergency Management Act 2005 (WA). People have been ordered to
stay inside with their doors locked. Some rioting and looting has occurred in the Perth CBD and panic buying
of toilet paper. Violent incidents have been reported against people with blue eyes. An effective injectable,
single-dose vaccine against Z-21 has been developed and is ready for distribution. However, rumours have
started that say the vaccine causes cerebral atrophy and that the vaccine is a deployed by the government to
control the human population by making everyone more stupid. This is not true. The future of our species is in
the hands of a group of undergraduate students at Curtin University.

Example questions
• What powers do emergency declarations provide governments in controlling
disease?
• What proactive measures will be put into place? Are quarantine/isolation
measures warranted?
• Are there implications for infringement of human rights and/or social
unrest?
• How is misinformation best dealt with? What are the causes of vaccine
hesitancy?
• How can a vaccine be rolled out equitably and efficiently to those most
vulnerable and to ensure herd immunity?
• What other factors will you want to consider, such as treatment of corpses,
waste management, cultural perceptions of the disease, and/or geography?
What is already in place? (e.g programs,
interventions, policy)
How can public health interventions
change the determinants?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J

What do we want to know?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
• What is the issue? What is the size of the issue?
How serious is the issue?
• Who is most affected?
• What are the determinants of the issue?
• What is already in place?
• How can public health interventions change the
determinants?

Public Health
Challenge Group 1
What is a virus?
What are zoonotic diseases?
What were the origins and
transmission modes of Ebola and
Zika in recent outbreaks?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

Public Health
Challenge Group 2
What are the differences and
similarities in the health system
models of Australia, Taiwan,
Germany and the United States of
America?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

Public Health
Challenge Group 3
What are the International Health
Regulations and what do they do?
What powers do emergency
declarations provide governments in
controlling disease outbreaks in
Australia?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

Public Health
Challenge Group 4
How do vaccines work?
What are the causes of vaccine
hesitancy?
How should public health
practitioners respond to vaccine
hesitancy?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

Public Health
Challenge Group 5
What impact does stigma have on
our ability to control infectious
diseases?
How do we prevent or reduce stigma
and discrimination against people
and/or communities affected by an
infectious disease?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Curtin
University
is
a
trademark
of
Curtin
University
of
Technology
CRICOS
Provider
Code
00301J
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health

5 x Groups - Discovery Questions
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
1. What is a virus? What are zoonotic diseases? What were the origins and
transmission modes of Ebola and Zika in recent outbreaks?
2. What are the differences and similarities in the health system models of
Australia, Taiwan, Germany and the United States of America?
3. What are the International Health Regulations and what do they do? What
powers do emergency declarations provide governments in controlling disease
outbreaks in Australia?
4. How do vaccines work? What are the causes of vaccine hesitancy? How should
public health practitioners respond to vaccine hesitancy?
5. What impact does stigma have on our ability to control infectious diseases?
How do we prevent or reduce stigma and discrimination against people and/or
communities affected by an infectious disease?

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
zombie
apocalypse
Discovery Homework
• Find five sources of information make sure you have located
them to bring to next week's class to share with your group.
• Next week, you will share these in your groups to
interrogate their credibility and relevance to your questions.
• This is a practice for how you should approach your topics
for Assessment 2.

Why a Zombie Apocalypse?
Why this scenario matters:
• Real-world parallels: COVID-19, SARS, H1N1 outbreaks
• System stress-testing: How health systems respond under extreme pressure
• Multi-level coordination: Federal, state, and local government roles
• Public health principles: Surveillance, response, communication
Key Question:
How does each part of the Australian health system contribute to managing
this crisis?
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Health System Components in
the Z-21 Response
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Zombie Scenario Health System
"Five people treated at Royal Perth Hospital and
Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency departments"
?
"Scientists have identified the cause as a virus...
Antigens isolated in quokkas"
?
"An effective injectable vaccine has been
developed"
?

Health System Components in
the Z-21 Response
Analysis Point
Notice how the scenario requires all health system components - hospitals
(acute care), research bodies (virus identification), primary care (vaccination),
and public health (outbreak response) – to work together.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Zombie Scenario Health System
"Five people treated at Royal Perth Hospital and
Fiona Stanley Hospital emergency departments"
Hospital services - tertiary care, emergency
departments, acute care capacity
"Scientists have identified the cause as a virus...
Antigens isolated in quokkas"
Research institutions, laboratory services, disease
surveillance systems
"An effective injectable vaccine has been
developed"
Primary healthcare for vaccine delivery,
pharmaceutical regulation, distribution networks

Government Responsibilities
During Z-21 Crisis
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Federal State/Territory Local
International coordination - WHO
emergency declaration
Hospital management - RPH &
Fiona Stanley response
Community health plans - Local
outbreak response
Vaccine regulation - TGA approval
and distribution
Emergency declaration - Section
56 Emergency Management Act
Environmental health - Body
disposal, sanitation
Border control - Managing
international spread
Public health orders - Stay-at-
home orders
Community services - Supporting
vulnerable populations
National emergency response -
Coordinating state responses
Healthcare workforce - Protecting
hospital staff
Local emergency coordination -
Working with state authorities
Pharmaceutical benefits - Vaccine
funding through PBS
Public safety - Managing riots and
looting

Current Health System Pressures
Amplified
Capacity Issues: Hospital emergency departments overwhelmed, ICU beds limited,
morgue capacity exceeded (bodies disappeared!)
Workforce Safety: Healthcare workers at risk of infection, need for PPE, staff shortages
due to illness/fear
Equity & Discrimination: Violence against blue-eyed people mirrors real-world stigma
during health crises (remember early COVID-19 racism?)
Resource Allocation: Emergency funding needed, supply chain disruption (toilet paper
hoarding!), vaccine distribution logistics
Information Management: Combating misinformation, maintaining public trust,
coordinating messaging across government levels
Every challengein this scenariohas occurred during real health emergencies- COVID-19,
Ebola, SARS.The zombie element is ﬁctional, but the health system responsesare
completely realistic!
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Professional Competencies for
Public Health: CAPHIA
• Health Monitoring and Surveillance
• Disease Prevention and Control
• Health Protection
• Health Promotion
• Health Policy, Planning and
Management
• Evidence-Based Professional
Population Health Practice
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

e.g. Health Monitoring and Surveillance
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Examples of CAPHIA Competencies
Applied to Z-21 Response
Health Monitoring & Surveillance:
• Identifying the outbreak pattern in hospital admissions
• Tracking international spread through sporting event
• Monitoring blue-eyed population for risk factors
Disease Prevention & Control:
• Implementing quarantine measures
• Developing and distributing vaccines
• Contact tracing and isolation protocols
Health Policy & Management:
• Emergency declarations and legal frameworks
• Coordinating multi-level government response
• Resource allocation and priority setting
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Let's
Discuss
and
Analyse
Together
Daire , e t al. (20 20 ). Inte rnational he alth care syste ms.
Some political scientists argue that in a d e m ocracy, he alth care is a basic hum an
right and should be provide d by the state . Othe r the orists argue that while good
he alth is ne ce ssary for the he alth of the nation (afte r all, sick citize ns cannot
work), he alth care should be inde pe nde nt of gove rnme nt control. Whe re
de m ocracy is se e n prim arily as fre e dom of the individual to m ake the ir own
choice s and purchase the ir own goods and se rvice s, he alth is vie we d as a
com m odity to be bought.
Should he alth care be tre ate d as a com m odity and trade d in the m arke tplace or
provide d fre e of charge by the state as a right of citize nship or re side nce ? Com e
up with som e re asons for your answe rs.
Question - Health as a commodity
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Assessment 2 Topic Allocation
Pick your topic for Assessment 2
• Each topic explores real-world public health challenges and integrates 3
core concepts
• Slides are due 3pm WST Sunday 14 August
• Delivery of presentation is in week of the relevant Module
• You do not need to know the Module content for the slides. However the
week you deliver it you should be familiar with the module content as you
will be asked how your case study connects to the Module concepts during
the presentation Q&A.
• Must be signed up to a topic by end of Week 4!
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

Reminder: Structure and Purpose
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
MODULE TUTORIAL ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT DUE WHY?
M1: Determinants of Health SDoH & Equity Foundation concepts for public health.
M2: Public Health History Evolution of Public Health
+ A1 Discussion + A2 topics
Foundation concepts for public health.
Supports preparation for A1.
M3: Public Health Systems
Zombie
Apocalypse
Group activity: public health challenge practising skills in
interrogation, assessing evidence and presenting in a safe
space.
Supports preparation for A2.
M4: Burden of Disease A1:Critical Essay [20%]
M5: Priority Populations
M6: Global Health SDGs & Gender Equity Foundation concepts for public health.
Tuition-Free Week
M7: Ecological Health Climate Change
& Co-Benefits
A2: Case Study Analysis
& Presentation slides [40%]
M8: Health Protection
A2 Presentations
& Concept Applications
Explores key areas of public health action through student
presentations, utilising peer learning.
Gain insights into diverse examples of public health practice
that can be used to inform A3 exam responses.
M9: Disease Prevention
M10: Health Promotion
M11: Governance for Health
M12: Advocacy for Health
Study Break
Exam Period A3: Examination [40%]
Public
Health
Systems

Can you now?
• Identify key attributes of the
Australian health care system.
• Describe the public health
workforce.
• Examine core competencies for
public health practice.
PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems

PUBH1000
Introduction
to
Public
Health
Public
Health
Systems
Next week:
Burden of Disease
We've identified that quality information is important for public health
practice so we'll be looking at what makes credible data and the role of
epidemiology in understanding the distribution of health and disease.
We will also be continuing:
Z O M B I E A P O C A LY P S E
D I S C O V E R Y

Module 3: Health Systems Tutorial Slides S2 2025

Module 3: Health Systems Tutorial Slides S2 2025

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Module 3: Health Systems Tutorial Slides S2 2025