At the end of the course the student will have to know the basic concepts of pharmacoeconomics and be able to read and understand the results of pharmacoeconomic studies published in the international literature. In addition, he will be able to apply the concepts learned by executing simple exercises in pharmacoeconomics.
Course Prerequisites
Knowledge of the research and clinical development processes of a drug will allow the student to understand the basic concepts of pharmacoeconomics.
Teaching Methods
Lectures with slides that will be used as didactic support by the students - Interactive lectures.
Assessment Methods
The final text is an oral exam in which the student will be asked to discuss some topics from the program. During the interview, questions will verify the degree of in-depth knowledge of the proposed topics and the use of the specific technical language.
Texts
Slides of the lessons and the notes taken during the lessons are enough for studying the course. Online material provided by the teacher.
Contents
Introduction to pharmacoeconomics. The main types of pharmacoeconomic analysis: cost-minimization, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, cost-benefit. Types of costs: direct medical, direct non-medical, indirect, intangible. Types of effects: direct, indirect, intangible. Determination of alternatives and consequences: choice of pharmacoeconomic analysis method. Classification of clinical trials: uncontrolled trials, non-randomized controlled trials (with parallel controls, with historical controls, with controls from databases), controlled and randomized trials. The experimental design: essential principles, randomization, blindness, control group (parallel groups, crossover, factorial, sequential), true and surrogate endpoints. Statistics in clinical trials: statistical error (type I, type II), confounding factors, statistical power, sample size. Cost-minimization analysis: when this type of analysis can be used. Examples from the literature. Cost-effectiveness analysis. Examples from the literature. Cost-utility analysis: when cost-utility analysis is to be used, the concept of “utility” and measurement scales, the QALY. Examples from the literature. Cost-benefit analysis: monetization of health outcomes, the concept of "willingness-to-pay". Examples from the literature. Analysis of the cost of illness and examples from the literature.
Course Language
Italian
More information
Times reserved for student visits: Tuesday (09:30-11:59 am), only by appointment via e-mail (francesca.crema@unipv.it).
