FAQ
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FAQ 1: The course description states that a familiarity with Excel is essential, exactly what constitutes familiarity?
The course involves a number of exercises structured within the Microsoft Excel(TM) spreadsheet package. A number of specialist functions, such as vlookup(.) and distribution functions will be covered as part of the course and so familiarity with these specific functions is not essential. However, it is essential that participants are familiar with the basic concepts of manipulating spreadsheets: copy and pasting, using formulae and functions to link cells together, dragging cells to create a series etc. All of the exercises we will cover in the course are included in the book “Decision Modelling for Health Economic Evaluation” and are available online. If you are concerned about your familiarity with Excel, then have a look at one of the early examples ahead of time. You will enjoy the course more, and get more out of the exercises, if you have a reasonable level of Excel proficiency such that you can concentrate on the concepts underlying the exercise rather than learning Excel as you go along.
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FAQ 2: Are there any reading recommendations such as books and articles to make sure that my knowledge is sufficient for the Advanced course?
The course is based around the book “Decision Modelling for Health Economic Evaluation” by Andrew Briggs, Karl Claxton and Mark Sculpher. All of the exercises we will cover in the course are included in this book, but there is no need to attempt the exercises ahead of time. The following article describes an introduction to Markov modelling: Briggs A, Sculpher M. Introducing Markov models for economic evaluation. PharmacoEconomics 1998; 13(4): 397-409. Familiarising yourself with this paper and the commands necessary to build the model in Excel will bring you to the approximate level covered in the Foundations course and prepare you for the Advanced course.
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FAQ 3: Although I do not have direct modelling experience I am familiar with many of the basic concepts of economic modelling and have seen some of the models that have been developed by outside agencies for our company. I would be keen to participate in a course that challenges me, and I think that the course content of this course looks particularly interesting. Do you think that I would benefit from the course?
Enthusiasm is probably the most important requirement. The key decision for you is whether to attend the Foundations course first or to go straight to the Advanced course. To help you decide, we suggest you review the article and model download listed under FAQ 2 above. If you find this challenging, consider starting with the Foundations course.
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FAQ 4: Is the course ECTS-credit eligible?
No, our courses are not credit eligible.
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FAQ 5: Is the course fee including VAT?
No, the course fee is VAT-exempt.
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FAQ 6: When is my payment of the course fee due for the "on demand" courses?
The course fee is payable in advance. Payment is accepted by card or by bank transfer. To register, please complete the registration form linked on the relevant course page, following which you will receive an automated email containing your invoice (and receipt if paying by card) and further instructions. If you pay by card, you will be enrolled on the course within a few days and will be able to start working through the content straight away. If paying by invoice, you will be enrolled on the course once the invoice has been paid and then you can start working on the content. Your enrolment will remain in place for 2 months.
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FAQ 7: What is the time commitment involved in the Foundations course?
The Foundations Course is based on 4 modules. You should look to make about 2 hours available per module, but this will vary from person to person as the exercises will take more or less time depending on prior experience. Please note that students are encouraged to ensure that they have sufficient time set aside in order to get the most out of the content, to which you will have access for 2 months.
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FAQ 8: What is the time commitment involved in the Advanced course?
The Advanced Course is based on 4 modules. You should look to make about 3 hours available per module, but this will vary from person to person as the exercises will take more or less time depending on prior experience. Please note that students are encouraged to ensure that they have sufficient time set aside in order to get the most out of the content, to which you will have access for 2 months.