Health economic evaluation methods, 5 Credits

Contents

In the course, the four most common health economic evaluation methods are analyzed. 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 is cost-effective? Should a prevention program for 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:

- Discuss different features ot the most common health economic evaluation methods in relation to the basic economic theory and concepts that underpin them.
- Analyze the advantages and drawbacks of different health economic evaluation methods.
- Select an evaluation method and appraise why it is the most appropriate method for the evaluation of a given health intervention.
- Critically and comprehensively assess health economic evaluations that are reported in scientific journals.
- Independently make a written plan for 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/5 from Swedish Upper secondary education.

Form of instruction

Teaching on the course is concentrated to the first two weeks of the three week course period. Teaching is conducted through lectures and group exercises. Teaching is given in English.

Examination modes

The examination is done in two parts. At the end of the third course week there is a written exam. During the third course week the students individually make a plan for health economic evaluation of a specific intervention in health care. The plan is submitted in written form at the end of the third course week. The grading scale is Fail, Pass, and Pass with distinction for the written exam. For the evaluation plan the grade is either Fail or Pass. 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 for the written exam and the grade Pass for 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, a student who does not receive a passing grade on the evaluation plan is offered an extra opportunity to submit the 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.