| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
|---|---|
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
The aim of the module is to introduce students to economic thinking and economic techniques which are of use in formulating and analysing health policy. The first part of the module will deal with economics and health care systems, in particular market failure, supply side incentives and equity.
The second part of the model will focus primarily on economic evaluation, and will cover a range of
topics, including the measurement and valuation of health and other benefits from health care, priority setting and critical appraisal skills. Health inequalities and determinants of health will also be covered.
An introduction to some fundamental concepts of economics, such as opportunity cost and efficiency. How markets work and why they fail in health care. The implications of market failure on the demand and supply sides. What is meant by equity in health care and how successful different health care systems are at addressing/achieving equity. An introduction to cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-utility analysis and cost-benefit analysis, how and when they should be applied and their pros and cons. Definitions of costs and how costs can be measured and valued in an economic evaluation. Refinements to economic evaluation, such as discounting, marginal analysis and sensitivity analysis. An exploration of different methods for measuring benefits in economic evaluation, including QALYs, HYEs and contingent valuation. How to critically appraise economic evaluation studies. Economic approaches to needs assessment and how programme budgeting and marginal analysis can be used as an economic framework for priority setting. Health inequalities and determinants of health.
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Academic Staff Contact Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | 0:00 | N/A |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line discussion | 30 | 1:00 | 30:00 | 30:00 | N/A |
| Total | 100:00 | 30:00 |
Flexible learning – the curriculum is delivered on the VLE to allow the student to work through the content without attendance.
A series of guided learning experiences are delivered on the VLE and the student further develops their understanding of the curriculum through private study
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | 1 | A | 100 | Short essay questions- total word count 2000 words |
| Description | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essay | A | 100 | Short essay questions- total word count 2000 words |
The assessment is intended to cover the breadth of the course and the 2000 words are divided across a number of short essay questions as well as calculations followed by brief discussion. The rationale for this form of assessment is to assess understanding of key economic concepts such as opportunity cost, discounting and the margin. Longer essay questions allow students to demonstrate their applied knowledge of health economics. The assignment is described to students as a "take home exam" and they are given 1 week to complete and return their assessment.
Disclaimer: The University will use all reasonable endeavours to deliver modules in accordance with the descriptions set out in this catalogue. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, however, the University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given including the addition, withdrawal or restructuring of modules if it considers such action to be necessary.