Accessibility statement

Evaluation of Health Policy - ECO00074M

« Back to module search

  • Department: Economics and Related Studies
  • Module co-ordinator: Prof. Andrew Jones
  • Credit value: 10 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2022-23
    • See module specification for other years: 2021-22

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Spring Term 2022-23

Module aims

The narrow goal of evaluative research is to identify the causal impact of an intervention on outcomes of interest. The broader goal is to understand the mechanisms underlying this impact. In evaluating the cost-effectiveness of medical technologies, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are often regarded to be the gold standard in identifying internally valid estimates of causal effects. In health policy research, randomized experiments are less prevalent and researchers are more often faced with identifying causal relationships from observational, or non-experimental, sources of data where the assignment of individuals to treatment or control group is beyond the control of the researcher. In such circumstances, the identification of causal effects is often difficult and econometric tools are often called into play. 

Module learning outcomes

The module is motivated by the use of non-experimental data to evaluate health policies.  The emphasis of the module is on the issues that arise in health economics in finding appropriate data and reliable identification strategies, rather than on the underlying economic and econometric theory. The aim is to provide knowledge of the range of quantitative methods that are available for policy evaluation; an understanding of their underlying assumptions, strengths and weaknesses; an ability to apply the methods in practice. Throughout the module computer-based practical examples will be used to give experience of how these evaluation methods can be applied using the statistical software Stata.

Assessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report on Case Study		 N/A 100

Special assessment rules

None

Reassessment

Task Length % of module mark
Essay/coursework
Report on Case Study		 N/A 100

Module feedback

Feedback will be returned to students in line with University procedures.

Indicative reading

Jones, A.M. and Rice, N. (2011) Econometric evaluation of health policies, in Oxford Handbook of Health Economics, Glied, S. and Smith, P.C. (eds.), Oxford, Oxford University Press.


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.