Academic staff

Paolo Pertile, Paola Bertoli

Referent

Paolo Pertile

Credits

4

Language

English

Class attendance

Free Choice

Location

VERONA

Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to health economics - the application of economic principles and empirical methods to analyze issues in public health and healthcare delivery. We will explore how economic tools can shed light on the definition of policies aimed at improving the efficiency and equity of health systems and understanding the behaviour of agents involved in the system.
The aim of the course is twofold. On the one hand, it aims to provide a broad overview of the most relevant and currently debated topics in health economics. On the other hand, it is intended to give students the opportunity to approach the practical aspects of conducting research in health economics.
Upon completing this course, students will be able to:
- Identify the most relevant topics in the current debate on health economics and understand why they are important
- Understand the main mechanisms involving the interactions among different agents involved in the demand and supply of health and health care
- Identify appropriate methods to approach specific research questions in health economics
With a focus on real-world relevance, students will develop core skills to conduct rigorous economic analyses and research to critically examine public health challenges. This will enable using evidence-based approaches to improve population health outcomes, enhance healthcare system performance, and promote economic efficiency.

Prerequisites and basic notions

Microeconomics
Econometrics

Program

- Failures in health insurance markets
- Physicians’ role: intrinsic and extinsic motivation, response to financial and non-financial incentives, appropriateness, shortage of health personnel, integration of different levels of care
- Hospitals: integration vs separation of purchasers vs providers, purchaser-provider contracts, assessing the quality and efficiency of hospital services

Didactic methods

The first part of the course will mainly focus on the presentation of a number of relevant research topics in health economics. Students will be invited to participate in discussions to help them develop critical thinking and exchange ideas.
The second part of the course will focus on empirical applications and will also cover practical aspects of the research process.

Learning assessment procedures

Assessment will be based on two components:
- The presentation of a piece of research in health economics, including the identification of the main strengths and weaknesses of the research conducted. Alternatively, students can decide to present their own research question.
- A multiple-choice test based on the contents covered during the lectures

Assessment

Assessment will take into account the student's ability to understand the issues addressed and methods presented and to use these skills to address relevant research questions.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

60% presentation
40% witten test

Scheduled Lessons