2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

HECN3010 Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health

10 creditsClass Size: 150

Module manager: Daniel Howdon
Email: D.Howdon@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

LUBS1940 Economics for Management
OR
LUBS1951 Economic Theory and Applications
OR
LUBS1952 Economic Theory and Applications for Finance

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Developed countries spend a considerable proportion of their GDP on health care technologies. This module considers how health care interventions can be assessed using economic tools to improve the efficiency of health care systems. By introducing relevant concepts and controversies within economic evaluation, the module complements HECN2010 (Introduction to Health Economics) to provide an introduction to health economics as a sub-discipline.

Objectives

At the end of this module, students will demonstrate a critical understanding of alternative types of economic analysis as applied to health care. Cost-utility/cost-effectiveness analyses will be considered within the module and contrasted with more conventional cost-benefit or welfarist approaches to evaluation. These are presented alongside contemporary controversies in economic evaluation. The module builds towards a final piece of coursework that encompasses all topics presented in lectures and seminars.

Learning outcomes
- Economic evaluation in health care
- Selection of appropriate framework for analysis
- Valuation of health

Syllabus

Outline of methods of economic evaluation, with specific reference to health. Specific topics to be covered: types of economic evaluation; the theoretical basis of alternative methods, including approaches to opportunity cost; valuing health; economic modelling and controversies in economic evaluation; the use of cost-effectiveness information in practice.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	4	1.00	4.00
Private study hours			85.00
Total Contact hours			15.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

The module will use a reading list of standard texts within health economics, using both textbooks and journal articles. Given the often contentious nature of rationing in health care, students will be encouraged to follow contemporaneous debate surrounding particular resource allocation decisions. Whilst not assessed, the VLE will be encouraged as a forum for debate; both multiple choice questions and worked examples of problems will be provided as formative assessments.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored using weekly online self-assessment questions based on the lecture and the recommended reading. Practical in-class exercises will allow students to assess their progress in obtaining skills.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	2,500 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

The resit for this module will be 100% by assessed coursework.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 17/05/2023 14:49:25

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