Newcastle University

Aims

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.

Outline Of Syllabus

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.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

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

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

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.