Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HSCI 206 D100

The Economics of Health and Health Care (3)

Class Number: 3482

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 11, 2025
    Fri, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    HSCI 130 with a minimum grade of C-.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will gain an introductory understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin economics and be able to demonstrate how these can be applied to provide insights for health policy, health care decision making and health technology assessment. Students with credit for HSCI 306 may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:


** HSCI 206 is an in-person class and lectures are not recorded **

Healthcare systems throughout the world are faced with rising costs and increasing demands. It is perhaps inevitable that there is a consequent tendency to turn to the discipline of economics for help. Much of this interest arises from a belief that economics is about economizing, about saving money. This is inaccurate. Economics is about the use of resources in an efficient and equitable way. This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive but accessible introduction to economic principles and applications. Students will develop an understanding of the theories and concepts that underpin economics, and how these can be applied to provide insights for health policy and health care decision making. The course comprises six units. The scheduled weekly class time will include combinations of conventional lectures (using slides and the whiteboard, where appropriate), class discussions, and group activities. Lectures will be used to introduce key themes and represent a starting point for students to engage in self-directed and participatory study. There are no tutorials.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The study of economics as applied to health and healthcare is likely to be new to most FHS students. This does not make the course a ‘bad fit’ for the faculty – quite the opposite. The application of economic principles provides very useful insight for decision making in all areas of healthcare (such as clinical practice, public health, and the commissioning of health services). No prior knowledge of economics is necessary. Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand and analyze critically, from an economic perspective, commonly-debated health-related issues in modern societies. Students will demonstrate their competency with the course material through the assignments (assessed) as well as participation in class discussion/activities (not assessed).

More specifically, students will be able to...

  • Define fundamental economic concepts and articulate these in health and non-health contexts
  • State and explain potential reasons for market failure in the healthcare system
  • Analyze a range of issues associated with the demand for and supply of health care (e.g., standard frameworks, inducement, insurance, funding and financing, and the delivery of care)
  • Apply economic reasoning to debate the role of government in the healthcare system
  • Explain and contrast different types of study design used in health economic evaluation

Grading

  • Written Assignment (Midterm #1) 20%
  • Quiz 1 10%
  • Written Assignment (Midterm #2) 35%
  • Quiz 2 10%
  • Final Examination 25%

NOTES:

All course-related information and materials will be accessible through Canvas. Students are responsible for ensuring they are up-to-date with course announcements posted on Canvas.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Hurley JE. Health Economics. 2018 (this is an eBook)

NOTE: prior to 2018, this book was published in hard copy by McGraw-Hill Ryerson (2010). The author has not made significant changes to the content of the textbook since it moved to an eBook. If you're able to get hold of a hard copy (such as the ones in the SFU library), that will be fine.

Details on how to access the eBook will be posted to Canvas prior to the start of the Spring 2025 semester.
ISBN: 9780666386199

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.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.