Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - HSCI 310 D100

Health Economic Evaluation (3)

Class Number: 5783

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Fri, 9:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 14, 2022
    Thu, 5:00–5:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    60 units including HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Core methodological aspects of conducting a health economic evaluation will be taught in a practical and non-technical manner. The focus is on the theory and practice of economic evaluation, within the broader domain of health economics. Students who have taken HSCI 372 under this topic in Spring 2020 and students who have taken HSCI 471 under this topic in Fall 2018 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course addresses the application of the techniques of economic evaluation ('cost-effectiveness analysis') to evaluate technologies and interventions in the health sector. It aims to provide an understanding of theoretical and practical issues related to health economic evaluation, and how it can be applied to the health care sector to inform decisions. These techniques are critical to health policy makers, who use them to help plan health services, evaluate new technologies, programs, and procedures, or design health insurance benefits to ensure high quality and sustainability in health care delivery. This course will cover the core methodological aspects of conducting a health economic evaluation and provide opportunities for practical, hands-on skill development. We will restrict our focus to the theory and practice of economic evaluation, which is one specialization within the broader domain of health economics.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Introduce and familiarize students with the basic concepts and tools of health economic evaluation
2. Provide students with the core knowledge necessary to be able to critically evaluate a published report on a health economic evaluation
3. Provide students with an appreciation of the role of health economic evaluation in the process of allocating scarce health care resources
4. Illustrate key areas of academic debate and methodological challenges in health economic evaluation

Grading

  • Class Participation (subject to change) 20%
  • Assignments (subject to change) 40%
  • Final Project (subject to change) 40%

NOTES:

If you cannot meet an assignment deadline due to medical reasons, you must contact me before the deadline (email or telephone). SFU guidelines on Academic Concessions will be followed (https://www.sfu.ca/students/academic-success/academic-concessions.html). If you are allowed to make up for a missed assignment, the assessment method could comprise any format. I will review non-medical extenuating circumstances on an individual basis. If you think you may need an alternate date to submit/complete an assignment in order to observe a holy day for your religion, you must provide a written request during the first two weeks of class.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Drummond MF, Sculpher MJ, Claxton K, Stoddart GL, Torrance GW. Methods for the Economic Evaluation of Healthcare Programmes. 4th Ed. Oxford University Press; 2015
NOTE: At the time of writing, this book is available to view as an eBook through the SFU Library. Physical copies will also be on reserve.

ISBN-10: 0199665885
ISBN-13: 978-0199665884

RECOMMENDED READING:

Throughout the course, links to online peer-reviewed articles will also be provided through Canvas. Some journal articles will be required reading, some will be recommended reading.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.