Advanced topics in health economic evaluation methods, 5 Credits

Contents

In the main part of the course decision modeling is explained, discussed and practiced. In economic evaluations of health interventions using a decision-maker perspective it is often necessary to gather information from many sources and track the course of a disease for a relatively long time perspective taking into account the uncertainty of estimates used this way. To do this, decision modeling is becoming increasingly popular in health economic evaluation. In the course different modeling techniques are being explored and the students given a chance to set up and run their own models. In addition to this, several topics that have been covered to a certain extent in the preceding course, Health Economic Evaluation Methods, will be studied further. To these topics belong questions of costing and discounting, the treatment of productivity costs, willingness to pay approaches, the possibility of ageism in standard health economic evaluation and gender aspects on health economic evaluation.

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: – explain how one can model the course of a disease in a population and discuss how this can be used in economic evaluations. – explain and discuss how uncertainty is being considered in economic evaluations. – explain and discuss different ways of treating costs for health and health care in economic evaluations. – review economic evaluations that have been done in health care with respect to the main questions that have been focused in the course.

Required Knowledge

For non-programme students applying as single-course students, the requirements are 120 ECTS, of which a minimum of 30 ECTS are within one of the following: health sciences, environmental health or social sciences. The applicant must also have a passing grade from the course 3FH042 Health Economic Evaluation Methods. English proficiency equivalent to English A from Swedish Upper secondary education. (IELTS (Academic) with minimum score 5.5 and no individual score below 5.0. TOEFL (Paper based with minimum score 530 and minimum TWE 4). TOEFL (Internet based with minimum score 72 and minimum Written 17)). Basic entrance requirements for higher studies in Swedish language proficiency is also required if the course is taught in Swedish.

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course is concentrated to two weeks during the course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures, group exercises and computer exercises. There are also seminars where students present and discuss a model which they have developed on their own. Attendance is compulsory at these seminars and at the computer exercises. Teaching is given in English

Examination modes

The examination is done in two parts. At the end of the course there is a written exam. During the course the student must in a seminar present a model for calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction for both the written exam and the model that the student has developed. In order to be awarded Pass for the course, the grade Pass is required both for the written exam and the developed model. In order to be awarded Pass with distinction for the course, the grade Pass with distinction is required both for the written exam and the model. For students who do not receive a passing grade at the first written exam on the course, a re-sit exam is arranged. Correspondingly, an extra seminar is arranged for students who do not receive a passing grade on the developed model. A student who fails two examinations has the right to a change of examiner according to the University’s set of rules. A request to change examiner should be sent to the Board of the Faculty of Medicine.

Other regulations

Start-of-study respite A respite for the start of studies may be granted under special circumstances. Examples of such circumstances are illness, military service, pregnancy, care of children or other nursing responsibilities etc. A negative decision about start-of-study respite may be appealed to Överklagandenämnden för högskolan. Course roll call Attendance is compulsory for the course roll call. A student may be relieved from this obligation only through a decision by the course coordinator and only under special circumstances. Non-attendance without a valid reason may lead to the seat being given to another applicant. A decision about this is made by the course coordinator.

Academic credit transfers are always reviewed individually according to the University’s set of rules and academic credit transfer regulations.