Health Outcomes Measurement, 7.5 credits

Bachelor's degree or professional qualification worth at least 180 credits in public health science, healthcare or other relevant social sciences subject area. Proficiency in the English language documented by an internationally recognized test such as TOEFL with a total score of at least 79 (internet based), 550 (paper based), 213 (computer based), IELTS with a total score of at least 6,0 (no band less than 5,0), or other documentation that certifies English language skills equivalent to English B at Swedish upper secondary school.

The goal of the course is a good knowledge of measurement and evaluation of health as well as basic knowledge of research on health measures and evaluation of health, including methodological considerations and applications in different contexts.

After completion of the course, students should be able:

Knowledge and understanding
- to describe and compare different health outcomes measures
- to describe and compare different methods used to value health states

Skills and abilities
- to analyse health outcomes data
- to present health outcomes results
- to read and interpret scientific articles on health outcomes research

Judgement and approach
- to reflect on the choice of health outcomes measure in relation to certain aspects
- to reflect on the choice of different methods when valuing health states
- to reflect on different perspectives, preferences, when valuing health states
- to reflect on inequalities in health when conducting health outcomes research and health outcomes management
- to critically appraise and discuss scientific articles on health outcomes research

Definition of and determinants of health

Health equity

Self-reported health and health-related quality of life

Generic and disease-specific health measures

Utility measures and quality-adjusted life years

Methods for evaluating health states

Perspectives when evaluating health status

Methods for data collection and analyzes of data based on health measures

Presentation and application of results of analyzes of data based on health measures

Ethical aspects of measuring health

Measuring health in specific contexts and groups

Lectures; seminars; group work; individual assignments

- individual written assignment
- individual contribution in written report and oral presentation of group work

Requirements for the grade Pass with distinction (VG) are VG on the written assignment, and pass (G) on remaining assignments.

Compulsory participation
Participation in seminars and group work is compulsory. Detailed information will be given in the schedule. The course director assesses if, and in that case how, absence can be compensated. Before the student has participated in all compulsory parts or compensated absence in accordance with the course director's instructions, the student's results for the course/respective part will not be registered in LADOK.

Limitation of number of occasions to write the exam
The student has the right to write the exam six times. 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 Education.
The course language is English.