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February
Econometric Analysis in Health Economics
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Dates: February 15 to 19, 2010
Registration: Online until 29 Jan. 2010
Course homepage: http://www.ssphplus.ch/phdcourses-hep
Prof. Alberto Holly (University of Lausanne)
Prof. Jaya Krishnakumar (University of Geneva)
Presentation:
The aim of this course is to provide the students with the necessary analytical tools to
- formulate appropriate econometric models
- estimate them
- and draw proper inference, using micro level data related to health issues, for instance data from health surveys.
The key features of such data sets are their qualitative nature and/or panel type structure. Hence it is important to know and be able to apply the models and methods specially designed for incorporating the particular characteristics of these data sets.
Objectives:
At the end of the course the student would know how to:
- specify a suitable econometric model for investigating the problem under study;
- confront the theoretical model with empirical observations; and
- draw proper conclusions based on the results.
February
PhD Studentship 2010: University of Manchester Health Methodology Research Group
Location: Manchester, UK
Application deadline: Thursday 18 February 2010
Professors: Linda Davies and Dr Tim Millar
Developing effective and acceptable care models for substance use.
The objective of this project is to use health services research methods to address the development of interventions to reduce the frequency of relapse and lapses in treated drug users. It will also aim to reduce reliance on a revolving door approach to drug treatment. The studentship provides full support for tuition fees, associated research costs and an annual tax-free stipend at Research Council rates (anticipated to be £13,490). The project is due to commence October 2010 and is open to UK/EU nationals only due to the nature of the funding.
Rationale: Substance users seeking treatment typically receive a package of care over varying time periods and often have several relapses. There is limited evidence that care is effective and economical. However, the data are limited by the study designs and follow up periods used, leading to considerable uncertainty about the longer term benefits. Self management and peer support programmes may reduce relapses and associated revolving door care, but the evidence to support these and acceptability of programmes such as the 12 step plan in the UK is questioned.
A mixed methods approach will identify personal/social factors and barriers influencing attitudes to substance use and identify key substances and target groups of substance users. This information will be used to; (i) assess the current evidence base of the acceptability, effectiveness and cost effectiveness of treatment pathways to reduce substance use; (ii) develop a theoretical model of the complex relationships between health behaviours, social and environmental factors and health; (iii) assess preferences for treatment processes and outcomes; (iv) model the process and outcomes of a new intervention; (v) assess the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and develop focussed research questions for its evaluation.
The successful candidate will join our growing team of leading health economists and collaborate with the National Drug Evidence Centre (NDEC). Both the health economics group and NDEC are part of the University of Manchester Health Methodology Research Group. They will develop and apply key health services research methods including: systematic review and analysis of quantitative and qualitative evidence; economic evaluation and modelling, statistical and econometric analysis of secondary and case linked data etc.
Upon completion of this project, the successful applicant will have gained valuable knowledge in the field of drug misuse research. This will doubtless be of significance to a range of drug misuse research posts, both academic and government.
Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a minimum upper-second honours degree (or equivalent) in economics or a related quantitative discipline relevant to health services research. An understanding of the need for (and principles of) health services research and health technology assessment would be beneficial.
Please direct applications in the following format to james.k.power@manchester.ac.uk
- A CV, including full details of all University course grades to date.
- Contact details for two academic or professional referees.
- A personal statement (750 words maximum) outlining your suitability for the study, what you hope to achieve from the PhD and your research experience to date.
Any enquiries relating to the project and/or suitability should be directed to Professor Linda Davies linda.davies@manchester.ac.uk. Applications are invited up to and including Thursday 18 February 2010.
http://www.medicine.manchester.ac.uk/healthmethodology/
February
Health Economics Funded PhD Places: University of East Anglia for EU/UK students for October 2010
Location: Norwich, England
Closing date: 19 February 2010
Studentships for 2009/10 and 2010/11 now available in the Faculty of Health at the University of East Anglia
Topics:
The role of Decision Modelling within an economic evaluation
Weighting QALYs according to severity and cause of illness
An economic evaluation of total hip and knee replacement surgery using a national patient reported outcome measure
The economics of EPIC: selected health economic issues using EPIC-Norfolk cohort data
The development and application of microsimulation methods for the analysis of health and social care policies for older people
Find out more about each topic and how to contact supervisors and to apply from:
http://www.uea.ac.uk/foh/PGR/HSS
Entry requirements are stated in each individual project outline.
Stipend (currently £13,290 per annum), UK/EU fees and some appropriate training costs.