Advanced Course in Health Economics, 5 credits

A Bachelor’s degree or a professional degree equivalent to a Swedish Bachelor’s degree of at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. And proficiency in English equivalent to English B/English 6.

To be eligible for the course, the student is expected to have successfully completed courses equivalent to 45 credits on the Master's programme in health economics, policy and management.
 

To give an understanding of practical and methodological issues related to different decision analytic modelling approaches for the economic evaluation of health care programmes.

After completion of the course, students should be able:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe and compare different decision modelling approaches in economic evaluation

Skills and abilities

• develop a decision model using a computer programme
• analyse the cost-effectiveness of a health care programme based on a decision modelling approach and by using a computer programme
• analyse and present the results of an economic evaluation based on decision tree and Markov modelling

Judgement and approach

• critically appraise and review decision models for economic evaluation
• reflect on the potential and limitations of modelling in economic evaluation and its role for different actors in society

The course covers critical assessment of decision models, decision tree and Markov modelling by using a computer programme (TreeAge - each student will have a copy of the programme with a license during the course), including to structure the model, populate the model with data, analyse the cost-effectiveness, present and interpret the results of the uncertainty analysis.

The course includes interactive lectures, seminars, group work, student presentations and individual assignments.

Participation and individual contribution in the group assignment (written tasks and oral presentation) as well as giving feedback on other student assignments (opposition group). Participation in the individual assignment.

Requirements for the grade pass (G) are: participation in compulsory parts, pass (G) on the group assignment (written task and oral presentation), pass (G) on the feedback to colleagues, and pass (G) on the individual assignment. Requirements for the grade pass with distinction (VG) are: participation in compulsory parts, pass (G) on the group assignment (written task and oral presentation), pass (G) on the feedback to colleagues, and pass with distinction (VG) on the individual assignment.

Compulsary participation
Attendance in mandatory parts is required. The course coordinator decides if and how absence from mandatory parts can be compensated for. Before the student has participated in the mandatory parts or compensated for absence in accordance with the instructions of the course coordinator study results are not reported.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
A student that has failed in a regular examination has the right to participate in additional five examinations. If the student has not passed the exam after four participations he/she is encouraged to visit the study advisor.

The number of times that the student has participated in one and the same examination is regarded as an examination session. Submission of a blank examination is regarded as an examination. An examination for which the student registered but not participated in will not be counted as an examination.

Examination will be provided during a time of two years after a possible cancellation of the course. Examination can take place according to an earlier literature list during a time of one year after the date when a major renewal of the literature list has been made.
 
 

Course evaluation will be carried out in accordance with the guidelines established by the Board of Higher Education.

The course language is English.