Health economic evaluation methods, 5 Credits

Contents

In the course, the four most common health economic evaluation methods are discussed. These methods are cost analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost-benefit analysis. These methods are being used to answer questions of the following type: Should a new drug replace an old one? Is it cost-effective? Should a prevention program for a certain disease be started? Is it worth the cost? How are priorities made in health care and in which way can economic analysis contribute to the basis for decision-making?

Expected learning outcomes

After completion of the course the student should be able to: – explain the content of the different health economic evaluation methods discussed in the course. – explain advantages and drawbacks with the different methods and discuss which method that would be preferable in a given situation. – review economic evaluations that have been done in health care and discuss strengths and weaknesses in those evaluations. – independently make a written plan for a health economic evaluation of a specific intervention in health care.

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. 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 and group exercises. There are also seminars where students present and discuss their evaluation plans. These seminars are compulsory. 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 his/hers plan for a health economic evaluation of a specific evaluation in health care. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction for both the written exam and the evaluation plan. In order to be awarded Pass for the course, the grade Pass is required both for the written exam and the evaluation plan. 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 evaluation plan. 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 evaluation plan. 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.