Health Economics and Policy Evaluation

Health economists based in the Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences (NDPCHS) aim to deliver high-quality research focussed on economic aspects of health and healthcare in the UK and internationally. We apply a range of economic approaches that broadly aim to understand, and ultimately improve, healthcare and population health and well-being in different contexts. We aim to apply high levels of rigour in our research studies.

We work collaboratively with non-economists at the NDPCHS and elsewhere across the University of Oxford and beyond.

Our research is broadly structured into five themes:

Economic evaluation is the process of assessing the cost-effectiveness and value of different interventions, policies, or programmes to determine the best use of limited resources. In our research group, we apply economic evaluation methods to inform decision-making in healthcare, social programmes, and public policy, ensuring optimal resource allocation and improved outcomes.

Measurement and valuation of health involves quantifying the impact of diseases, conditions, or interventions on individuals' well-being, often using tools like quality of life surveys or utility measures. We focus on developing and applying methodologies to assess and assign value to health outcomes, supporting more informed healthcare decision-making and policy formulation.

Resource use and costing consists of tracking and quantifying the inputs - such as time, labour, and materials - required to deliver healthcare services or interventions. Our research group conducts detailed analyses of resource use and associated costs to inform cost-effectiveness studies, improve resource allocation, and optimise healthcare delivery.

Policy evaluation in the healthcare sector involves assessing the effectiveness, efficiency, and equity of healthcare policies and programs. Our researchers conduct comprehensive evaluations to identify the impact of healthcare interventions, inform evidence-based decision-making, and improve health system outcomes.

Choice modelling is a research method used to understand and predict how individuals make decisions based on different attributes and trade-offs. We apply choice modelling techniques to analyse consumer preferences, inform policy decisions, and optimise product or service offerings across various issues within healthcare.