Overview

An online course consisting of four modules over 6 weeks and focusing on advanced methods of decision analytic modelling for economic evaluation. The course is aimed at health economists and those health professionals with experience of health economics who wish to learn about recent methods developments in cost-effectiveness analysis. It is designed for participants who are familiar with basic decision modelling who wish to learn how to use more advanced modelling methods. It is particularly suitable for those who have attended our Foundation Course in Modelling Methods for Health Economic Evaluation. It is envisaged that participants will currently be undertaking modelling for health economic evaluation.

Teaching Methods

  • Four modules together with introductory, policy context and closing sections

  • ‘Bite-size’ video presentations from members of the Faculty for each module

  • Computer-based exercises using MS Excel

  • *NEW* Alternative ‘R’-based exercise track for those already familiar with R

  • Video ‘run-through’ of each exercise by members of the Faculty

  • Online discussion forums monitored by Faculty and tutors

  • One ‘live’ question and answer session for each module with module leads

How It Works

The video lectures/exercises for each module will be released on the dates specified in the first column of the timetable below. You can then work through these in your account at any time you wish. The second column indicates how much time you should expect to dedicate to this. For each module there will be a one-hour live Q&A session with the tutors; this is the only fixed-time component and is scheduled to take place at 1pm British Summer Time on the dates shown in the third column of the timetable. Do not worry if you are unable to attend every live session; these will be recorded. Furthermore, in addition to the live Q&A sessions, there will be a discussion board available on the course platform, where you can leave messages regarding the course content. Students are encouraged to keep up with the timetable where possible as tutor support is only available during the timetabled dates.

Course Dates

The next course dates have not yet been confirmed. Please see the Home page for information on how to be added to the mailing list.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

  • Model and populate a Markov model with time-dependent probabilities based on the results of parametric survival modelling

  • Develop a probabilistic model to reflect parameter uncertainty and to run Monte Carlo simulation

  • Present the results of a probabilistic model using net monetary benefits and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves

  • Assess the expected value of perfect information

Prerequisites

This is an advanced course focusing specifically on decision modelling. Participants would be expected to have attended a general advanced course in economic evaluation, and to be familiar with foundations level decision analysis (see Foundations course). Each module will involve computer work on exercises which will be built up over the course. A familiarity with Microsoft Excel is essential, as is a familiarity with ‘R’ for those wishing to follow the new R-based exercise track.

Faculty