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Cost-Effectiveness Modelling for Health Technology Assessment
School of Medicine and Population Health,
Faculty of Health
Course description
This course focuses on the role of modelling in developing health technologies for different markets and the practical skills used in this step of the health technology assessment process. It is taught online, part-time, so you can fit your studies around your other commitments
You will study common techniques for assessing the cost-effectiveness of health technologies, such as Markov models and individual-level simulation. You will put this knowledge into practice by building your own cost-effectiveness models. You will also explore different economic evaluation techniques, the process of developing decision-analytic models, and the role these tools play in health technology assessment.
Modules
Continuing Professional Development
All modules on this course can be studied as standalone CPD modules. It is possible to complete standalone modules and then apply to transfer to an MSc/PGDip/PGCert qualification. Any time spent on the CPD route counts toward the time-limit a student has to complete their chosen qualification.
Core modules:
- Economic Evaluation in International Health Technology Assessment Online
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This unit introduces the concept of economic evaluation as applied to health technology assessment, the different types of evaluation that are available and the various stages and techniques that need to be applied to generate results. The techniques will be matched against current practice guidelines in different jurisdictions so that students can understand the current policy context of the methods. Also, as additional techniques are described, the strengths and weaknesses of each will be highlighted, with the students being encouraged to critically appraise their appropriateness to different contexts and jurisdictions.
15 credits - Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International Health Technology Assessment Online
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This unit sets out the different uses of modelling in Health Technology Assessment (HTA), together with the main principles and common techniques (including Markov models and individual level simulation). It reviews the international guidance on good practice and develops participants' skills to appraise and commission models for HTA. Learning is based around a core international literature on modelling covering methodological papers and a substantial set of case studies, ensuring learning is grounded in real world examples. Participants also undertake some simple 'hands-on' model-building and model reviewing in EXCEL to help embed the principles learned.Students interested to learn more about building cost-effectiveness models can enrol on the Building Cost-effectiveness Models for HTA module (HAR6119). This module runs in the Spring semester and is worth 15 credits.
15 credits - Using Evidence in the Design and Development of Models Online
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This unit sets out the process of developing decision-analytic models in health technology assessment (HTA), and explains how this process is informed by evidence. It explores conceptual modelling, including how to understand decision problems and how to apply this understanding to the specification and population of a relevant decision-analytic framework. Students are introduced to information retrieval methods and formal problem structuring processes as applied to HTA.
15 credits - Building Cost-effectiveness Models for Health Technology Assessment Online
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An advanced course teaching the technical and practical skills required to build cost-effectiveness models for international health technology assessment. It builds on from the introductory unit, HAR6113 Cost-effectiveness modelling in international HTA, which covered the principles behind modelling. Content includes problem definition and structuring, building decision tree and Markov/state transition models in Excel, identifying appropriate data sources, implementing deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analysis, and Value of Information analysis. It is an advanced course, aimed at students with a strong mathematical background who want to go on to build their own economic models.Students require a mathematical / statistical background and a sound understanding of the principles of modelling (prior completion of HAR6113 or evidence of previous training/knowledge). Good pre-existing Excel skills are essential. For students considering this Module as a standalone option who only require an understanding of the principles of economic modelling and good practice and who need the skills to be able to review other people's models, but do not need the technical skills to build their own models, the introductory module HAR6113: Cost-effectiveness Modelling in International HTA may be a more appropriate choice of module.
15 credits
The content of our courses is reviewed annually to make sure it's up-to-date and relevant. Individual modules are occasionally updated or withdrawn. This is in response to discoveries through our world-leading research; funding changes; professional accreditation requirements; student or employer feedback; outcomes of reviews; and variations in staff or student numbers. In the event of any change we'll consult and inform students in good time and take reasonable steps to minimise disruption.
Open days
An open day gives you the best opportunity to hear first-hand from our current students and staff about our courses.
Find out what makes us special at our next online open day on Wednesday 17 April 2024.
You may also be able to pre-book a department visit as part of a campus tour.Open days and campus tours
Duration
2 years part-time
Teaching
All of your teaching will take place online. You will learn through live webinars, which offer the opportunity to interact with your tutors and peers, and independent study, using materials you can access through our customised Virtual Learning Environment.
Assessment
You will be assessed through coursework and project work.
Your career
This course helps graduates to build careers in health economics, health technology assessment, market access, trial design and other related areas in the public or private sector.
Health technology assessment is a relatively new area of expertise that helps industry bring new technologies to market and allows governments to identify effective ways of using public money to improve access to healthcare.
As a result, there is high demand from the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare sector for graduates with specialist technical skills in cost-effectiveness modelling.
Graduates from this course typically work for
- large and small, national and international pharmaceutical and device companies
- health economics consultancies, or as self-employed consultants
- government departments, ministries and agencies
- healthcare providers and hospital organisations
- HTA agencies
- universities
Entry requirements
Minimum 2:1 undergraduate honours degree in a relevant subject or equivalent professional experience.
Overall IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component, or equivalent.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact the department.
Fees and funding
Apply
You can apply now using our Postgraduate Online Application Form. It's a quick and easy process.
Contact
scharr-pgt-enquiries@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 222 5454
Any supervisors and research areas listed are indicative and may change before the start of the course.
Recognition of professional qualifications: from 1 January 2021, in order to have any UK professional qualifications recognised for work in an EU country across a number of regulated and other professions you need to apply to the host country for recognition. Read information from the UK government and the EU Regulated Professions Database.