Health economists look at how resources are allocated to and used in different health systems.
Health economics is a rapidly expanding field. This is a result of the continuing drive to reform health care systems and the growing importance of economic evaluation in health policy. This has led to a steadily increasing demand for trained health analysts with an economics background.
Working both in the public and private sector, health economists are trained to apply the concepts and tools of economic evaluation analysis to health and healthcare, including:
- The functioning of health care markets
- The economic evaluation of healthcare programs
- The economic evaluation of policies and interventions
Health economists ensure that the unmet needs of patients and the requirements of payers, across both developed and emerging markets, are addressed. And because this role is vital in so many businesses, health economists find frequent opportunities for development and progression along a professional or a leadership career track.
Activities
- Lead outcome studies in particular studies focused on burden of illness and patient reported outcomes
- Liaise with clinical, medical and commercial teams to develop research projects to support the value story for marketed and pipeline products and programmes
- Liaise with patient groups and clinical experts in development of outcome studies and requirements
- Support clinical and medical teams in the operationalisation of recommendations in clinical trials
- Utilise expertise to recommend and develop patient reported outcomes tools for support of value story requirement
Who employs health economists?
Health economists are in demand!
Health Economists are employed in roles that are local or international in terms of scope and impact such as:
- Academics
- Government agencies
- Healthcare decision makers
- Broad external stakeholder groups