Table 1 |
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Eight common health economics functions and examples of the types of situation in which they might be useful or types of questions that might be answered using this function |
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| Function |
Types of questions/situation in which this function would be applied |
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| 1. Appreciation of how economics fits into multi-disciplinary analysis of public health problems |
Does this problem have an economic aspect? Would it benefit from an economic perspective? |
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| 2. Advanced appreciation of economic concepts and frameworks, able to frame issues, formulate questions and obtain advice |
Problem has an economic aspect that can be framed i.e., the person is able to formulate an economic question in an appropriate way as part of a proposal. |
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| 3. Economic analysis of simple problems and issues, requiring literature searches, appraisal, synthesis and interpretation |
Able to read and interpret the economic literature and think from an economic perspective. |
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| 4. A capacity to respond quickly to emerging and emergency issues |
An economic surge capacity exists. |
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| 5. Conducting economic evaluations and other studies, with appropriate methods |
Able to answer questions about performing economic analysis for example: when is the right time; how should it be done; what level of complexity is required; do we have the necessary skills and experience required, or do we know who has the necessary skills? |
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| 6. Application of economic findings to priority settings, emerging issues and decision-making |
Able to apply priority setting techniques and able to factor in issues such as equity. |
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| 7. A priority-driven, policy relevant research program |
Not reactive but anticipates need. Is able to formulate research questions, develop a proposal to answer those questions and execute the study. |
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| 8. An investigator-led research program |
Not reactive – sees gaps in the available knowledge and tools, is able to develop a research plan to fill these gaps and secure funding to support the research agenda. |
Madden et al. Australia and New Zealand Health Policy 2009 6:6 doi:10.1186/1743-8462-6-6 |
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