Pharm.D. Program

PHP 580 Pharmacoeconomics

Detailed Course Description

Introduction to methodologic approaches utilized in economic and health outcomes evaluation of drug use and therapy in community and managed care settings, and in clinical trials. Regulatory, policy and legal implications of the research strategies will be discussed. 

Exams (60%)
Two exams will be given during the semester.  These exams will be multiple choice and short answer.  Material covered in class AND in the text / readings will be part of each exam.  Each exam will be worth 30% of your final grade. Exam 2 is not cumulative.   

Group Project (30%)
Students will work together, in small teams (approximately 3 students each), on a class project.  Each team will present about a different applied pharmacoeconomic topic or question.  We will assign group membership during the second week of classes. Presentation dates for each group will be determined through a lottery process. Each team may choose from a list of potential topics, or create their own, with instructor permission. The team’s work will be presented in two different formats; as an in-class presentation and as a short briefing paper.   

Briefing Paper (25%) – A short (4 pages, single spaced, 12 font MAX) will be due by May 1.  This paper must be succinct, properly referenced and effectively presented.  You will be required to use the referencing method and manuscript formats common to the healthcare industry.   

In-Class presentation (5%) – Throughout the semester, students will have the opportunity to present for 15-20 minutes on their topic. The effective use of PowerPoint  (15 slides MAX) will be stressed.   

Critical Thinking, Participation, and Professionalism (10%)

A portion of your final grade will include an assessment of critical thinking skills exhibited during all phases of the course, active participation in course activities and professionalism.

Learning Objectives
Students completing this course will be able to: 

1. summarize the economic principles that influence health care policies and systems
2. anticipate the financial and humanistic impacts of formulary and other policy decisions on patient care, health systems and society
3. critically evaluate studies of economic and humanistic outcomes
4. design protocols to evaluate the impact of existing and new health care therapies, services and technologies
5. practically apply decision making strategies in a variety of health care settings
6. apply scientific concepts and methods of outcomes assessment to develop health care policy, implement formularies and treatment guidelines and optimize patient care.