Health economic theory, 7.5 Credits

Contents

This course in health economics covers health system financing, analysis of health care markets, equity and the determinants of health, and political economy and organisational performance. Each topic is approached from the point of view of what theory suggests, followed by an analysis of to what extent empirical literature supports the theory. The key concepts on this course are: incentives, equity, and moral hazard. We will consider e.g. how different financing models deal with incentives for excess use of services; how health care workers can be analysed as agents; and how investments in early childhood can be justified using economic analysis.

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
-    compare and contrast the impact of different health system financing methods on health care utilisation, costs and equity in health outcomes
-    describe and analyse incentive structures in health care organisations and in health care markets

Skills and abilities
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
-    critically analyse outcomes in health care provision and utilisation with reference to incentive structures
-    independently formulate theoretical hypotheses and critically evaluate them in light of empirical evidence

Judgement and approach
After this course the student is expected to be able to:
-    demonstrate awareness of the opportunities and limitations of health economic research to inform policy makers about how their decisions impact upon the production and utilisation of health care and equity in health outcomes

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. 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

The teaching consists of lectures, group exercises and seminars. The teaching is in English. The teaching is carried out in collaboration between the Department of Economics and Epidemiology and Global Health.

Examination modes

The extent to which the student has achieved the expected learning outcomes is assessed through a written exam at the end of the final course week. The time allocated to the exam is six hours. The written exam consists of short questions and essay questions. The written exam is graded as Fail (U), Pass (G), or Pass with Distinction (VG). The grade for the written exam is also the grade for the course as a whole.

The examiner can grant the student the right to an alternative form of examination in special circumstances. Students that do not receive a passing grade on the written exam are entitled to sit a second exam. Students who receive a Pass grade on the first exam are not allowed to take a second exam in an attempt to receive a higher grade. A student who has twice received a Fail grade is entitled to request that the Study Director assigns another teacher to examine the course, unless special circumstances prevent this. A written request should be sent to the Study Director.

Other regulations

Students have the right to request that previous education or equivalent knowledge and skills acquired through professional experience is credited against the corresponding course at Umeå University. An application should be submitted by the student to Studentcentrum/Examina. Details on credit transfer can be found at Umeå University's student web, www.student.umu.se, and the Higher Education Ordinance (Chapter 6). A refusal of accreditation may be appealed to the University Appeals Board (Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 12 ). This applies both the the whole application and to its components in case the application for accreditation is refused.