HLTH06048 2020 Fundamentals of Health Economics

General Details

Full Title
Fundamentals of Health Economics
Transcript Title
Fundamentals of Health Economi
Code
HLTH06048
Attendance
N/A %
Subject Area
HLTH - Health Studies
Department
HEAL - Health & Nutritional Sciences
Level
06 - NFQ Level 6
Credit
05 - 05 Credits
Duration
Semester
Fee
Start Term
2020 - Full Academic Year 2020-21
End Term
9999 - The End of Time
Author(s)
Thomas Smyth, Richeal Burns
Programme Membership
SG_SINFO_B07 202000 Bachelor of Science in Health and Medical Information Science SG_SINFO_C06 202000 Higher Certificate in Science in Health and Medical Information Science SG_SPRAC_E06 202000 Certificate in Practices in Health Informatics
Description

The aim of this module is to present the student with the framework and analytical methods economists use to study the health economy and address key policy issues. The aim is to enable the student to analyse typical resource allocation problems involving health and healthcare understanding the trade-off between efficiency and equity.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module the learner will/should be able to;

1.

To become familiar with the economic principles of healthcare delivery

2.

To become familiar with the drivers of inefficiency in healthcare delivery 

3.

To understand government intervention in the delivery of healthcare and associated outcomes

4.

To learn applied skills in health economic analysis and decision making

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching and learning for this module will be carried out through a combination of online lectures, computer based critical appraisal and online practical's. Blended learning approaches will be adapted consistent with digital learning paradigms. 

Online delivery of 1 lecture per week with self directed learning. Guidance provided on relevant areas for self directed learning.

Online delivery of 2 hour workshop weekly, where students will be directed to complete interactive type activities to enhance their study skills and knowledge.

Question and answer sessions provided in the live classroom.

A variety of methods of instruction such as discussion, group work, interactive exercises, use of online resources and/or use of audio/visual material will be provided. Core skills will be embedded into all modules to ensure all students have an equal opportunity to succeed. This may include academic writing, oral presentations, reading techniques or research abilities. Accessible materials will be provided to students, including slides, documents, audio/visual material and textbooks enabling students slow down speed up recordings etc in accordance with universal distance learning.

All module content will be based on the principles of UDL to ensure equitable access to content and learning.

Module Assessment Strategies

This module will be assessed by both a final exam (50%) and continuous assessment (50%).

Repeat Assessments

Repeat examination will follow a similar format as applicable.

Indicative Syllabus

This module provides an introduction to the fundamentals and methods of analysis in health economics. Topics covered include the characteristics of health and health care markets; characteristics of market failures in health care markets and what causes the failures; economic aspects behind physician agency and supplier induced demand; key economic concepts and analysis about health care financing and insurance markets including concepts of risk; moral hazard and the role of demand-side cost-sharing; supply-side cost sharing and managed insurance; the relationship between regulations of health care markets and particular sources of market failure; and applied methods of health economic analysis.

Coursework & Assessment Breakdown

Coursework & Continuous Assessment
50 %
End of Semester / Year Formal Exam
50 %

Coursework Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 CA1: Essay on Health Economic Concepts Coursework Assessment Assessment 20 % Week 6 1,2
2 CA2: Computer-based applied health economics analysis Coursework Assessment Assessment 30 % Week 13 2,3,4
             

End of Semester / Year Assessment

Title Type Form Percent Week Learning Outcomes Assessed
1 End of Term Exam Final Exam Closed Book Exam 50 % End of Term 1,2,3,4
             
             

Full Time Mode Workload


Type Location Description Hours Frequency Avg Workload
Lecture Online Lecture 1 Weekly 1.00
Workshop / Seminar Online Problem-based Learning Workshop 2 Weekly 2.00
Independent Learning Not Specified Independent Learning 4 Weekly 4.00
Total Full Time Average Weekly Learner Contact Time 3.00 Hours

Required & Recommended Book List

Required Reading
2019-03-14 Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research Oxford University Press
ISBN 9780191057236 ISBN-13 0191057231

In today's world of scare resources, determining the optimal allocation of funds to preventive health care interventions (PHIs) is a challenge. The upfront investments needed must be viewed as long term projects, the benefits of which we will experience in the future. The long term positive change to PHIs from economic investment can be seen across multiple sectors such as health care, education, employment and beyond. Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research is the fifth in the series of Handbooks in Health Economic Evaluation. It presents new research on health economics methodology and application to the evaluation of public health interventions. Looking at traditional as well as novel methods of economic evaluation, the book covers the history of economics of public health and the economic rationale for government investment in prevention. In addition, it looks at principles of health economics, evidence synthesis, key methods of economic evaluation with accompanying case studies, and much more. Looking to the future, Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research presents priorities for research in the field of public health economics. It acknowledges the role played by natural environment in promoting better health, and the place of genetics, environment and socioeconomic status in determining population health. Ideal for health economists, public health researchers, local government workers, health care professionals, and those responsible for health policy development. Applied Health Economics for Public Health Practice and Research is an important contribution to the economic discussion of public health and resource allocation.

Required Reading
2012-01 Handbook of Health Economics Elsevier
ISBN 9780444535924 ISBN-13 0444535926

What new theories, evidence, and policies have shaped health economics in the 21st century? Editors Mark Pauly, Thomas McGuire, and Pedro Pita Barros assemble the expertise of leading authorities in this survey of substantive issues. In 16 chapters they cover recent developments in health economics, from medical spending growth to the demand for health care, the markets for pharmaceutical products, the medical workforce, and equity in health and health care. Its global perspective, including an emphasis on low and middle-income countries, will result in the same high citations that made Volume 1 (2000) a foundational text. Presents coherent summaries of major subjects and methodologies, marking important advances and revisions. Serves as a frequently used non-journal reference. Introduces non-economists to the best research in health economics.

Required Reading
2008-08-19 Health Economics and Policy Cengage Learning
ISBN 9780324645187 ISBN-13 032464518X

Learn to analyze public policy from an economic perspective with HEALTH ECONOMICS AND POLICY WITH ECONOMIC APPLICATIONS, 4th Edition. The author explains how the theories work and how health care financial systems operate in the real world. You'll develop an understanding of the social, political, and economic contexts of health care delivery, as well as the changing nature of health care. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Module Resources

Other Resources

A range of online resources and applications will be used.