This course examines the use of cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) in health policy and medical decision-making. Students gain a working knowledge of theoretical and practical issues encountered in conducting and applying CEA, i.e. identifying costs and assessing the relative merit of the consequences of policies, programs, and interventions. Approaches to formulating the problem, adopting a perspective for the analysis, measuring costs, evaluating consequences, discounting, and reflecting uncertainty are discussed. Emphasis is on acquiring skills necessary for becoming informed consumers of CEA and learning to appraise published literature. Case studies demonstrate the use of CEAs. Exercises highlight methodological issues, measurement, and data problems. Group projects provide hands-on experience. The class is appropriate for students in the PAMP program. Students who take PM855 may not take PM807.

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