Overview
Health is more than just the absence of disease—it includes physical, mental, and social well-being. This course explores the challenges of defining and measuring health and their impact on healthcare policy and decision-making. You’ll learn about different health measures—generic, condition-specific, and preference-based—and evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and applications. The course also covers key health economics outcomes: Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs). While the content follows a logical flow from defining to measuring and valuing health, you can complete the modules in any order that fits your learning style. This is the fourth course in the Fundamentals of Health Economics certificate.
By the end of this course you will be able to:
- Explain the challenges in defining health.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of generic, condition-specific, and preference-based health status measures.
- Explain the key questions that must be addressed in the design of health state valuation studies.
- Describe the strengths and weaknesses of Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) and Disability Adjusted Life Years (DALYs).
How It Works
Certificate Access
90 days
Effort
8 hours of study
Delivery
Online
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$600
Jeff Round
Professor Jeff Round is a distinguished Health Economist within the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. He also served as the Chief Scientific Officer at the Institute of Health Economics, a prominent non-profit organization in Edmonton dedicated to health economics and health technology assessment. Dr. Round's academic journey includes a PhD in Health Economics from University College London, an MA (Econ) in International Development from the University of Manchester, and a Bachelor of Honours in Economics from Acadia University in Nova Scotia, Canada. His extensive academic experience encompasses prior appointments at the Universities of Bristol, College London, and Leeds. His research portfolio spans applied and methodological facets of health economics, with active engagement across academic, governmental, and diverse professional settings.
Currently, he collaborates closely with the Ministries of Health in Alberta, the Northwest Territories, and British Columbia, as well as Alberta Health Services, CADTH, and the PMPRB. His collaborative research efforts, supported by grants from CIHR, the UK NIHR, and various Canadian national and provincial funding agencies, involve partnerships with esteemed colleagues from the Universities of Alberta, Calgary, British Columbia, Toronto, Ottawa, Simon Fraser University, and the University of Bristol. Dr. Round further contributes his expertise as a member of the CADTH RWE Reporting Guidance Expert Committee and the Alberta Precision Laboratories Formulary Committee.
- Health Economists
- Health Policy Advisors and Government Officials
- Healthcare Administrators and Managers
- Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Industry Professionals
- Clinical Researchers
- Public Health Professionals
- Insurance and Benefits Analysts
- Medical Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Allied Health)
Course FAQs
Is this an instructor-led course?
This course is designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The course has been designed by subject matter experts and includes interviews with leading experts, aligned to the course outcomes. The course is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
A Each course will require approximately 8 hours to complete. You will have 90 days access from the time of registration to complete the course. After 90 days, the course will be closed.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start the course as soon as you register! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to the course?
You will have 90 days from the time of registration to complete the course.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for courses. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be activities, assignments, and short quizzes within the course to ensure you understand the content. All quizzes are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the course content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each evaluation.
What are the computer requirements for this course?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this course have prerequisites?
This course does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!