Class Name
HSA 2117 – Civic Engagement in the U.S. Healthcare System
Instructor
School of Global Health Management and Informatics lecturer Ashley Wilt
When is it offered?
The course is offered fully online as well as in a mixed-mode, face-to-face format in the fall and spring semesters, and fully online in Summer B term.
From the Instructor
What is civic engagement in the U.S. healthcare system?
This is a General Education Program (GEP) course available to all students to help them prepare as patient advocates for themselves and their loved ones to navigate the complex network that is the U.S. healthcare system.
Medical professionals, doctors and nurses all serve as patient advocates. However, the overall outcome of patient care can be positively impacted by having someone at their side ensuring they receive the medical attention and care they deserve. This course provides students with the knowledge to empower them to speak up for themselves or their loved ones.
Who should take this class?
This is a class open to everyone, regardless of college or major, as it fulfills the university’s social foundation GEP requirement. We all engage with the healthcare system, not just providers. This course provides the knowledge and tools to be as prepared as possible to navigate that system. In fact, it’s especially important for students who aren’t going into the healthcare field, as it gives them the necessary resources and confidence for when they find themselves or a loved one as a patient in a medical or emergency setting. It also has been designated as a High Impact Practices course, with assignments offering students opportunities for practical application of their newfound skills.
What will students learn in this class?
For most, healthcare delivery in the U.S. can be described as difficult to understand and extremely complex. Each week, this course explores a different aspect of the healthcare system and how care is delivered.
One week might focus on the different settings for healthcare delivery, answering questions such as “What is a primary care physician versus a specialist?” and “When is it most beneficial to seek treatment at an urgent care facility versus an emergency department?” During another week, students are introduced to different healthcare careers, industries and opportunities.
Having a basic understanding of how the U.S. healthcare system works provides greater confidence and relieves stress in these types of situations.
How will this class positively impact students?
The first step to feeling more confident in a confusing or uncertain situation is knowing the right questions to ask, and that is exactly what this class offers. The hospital, or even a doctor’s office, can be a confusing and intimidating place for many. As a patient, one may feel overwhelmed with information and uncertain about next steps for their medical treatment. In these situations, having a patient advocate or someone you trust who can help process the information and make informed decisions can make all the difference.
From the Student
Kylan Fox , first-year student in the Department of Criminal Justice
Why did you decide to take this class?
I was advised to take this class to prepare me for future experiences where I will need to take care of myself or a family member. It was also fun to talk about my own real-life experiences, and how those are similar or different from others’ experiences with the healthcare system.
What did you enjoy most about the class?
As a football student-athlete, I have had a handful of sport-related injuries, but I’ve always had a loved one or coach making sure everything was handled and that I received the best care. This class helped me understand the places I would go to for care, and the types of professionals who work in healthcare and support those getting medical treatment. The class also gave me a greater appreciation for my friends and family who looked out for me, and for those who have taken care of me when I needed it.
How did this class prepare you for the future?
This class really made me feel more confident that I would know what to do and where to go if a teammate, friend or family member had a medical emergency. I now have a better understanding of our healthcare system and feel comfortable speaking up for myself or someone I’m advocating for to make sure they receive the best care possible.
