Health Policy and Program Evaluation 2025

Date

Friday, 22 November, 9.45am to 4.30pm

Description

Health policy and program evaluation is essential for understanding what works, what doesn't, and why. By using modern econometric methods and the best available data, we can critically assess the impact and effectiveness of health policies, programs, and interventions, ensuring they meet their intended aims.  This short course provides a focused introduction to these methods and data, equipping you to become a more effective analyst, policymaker, or researcher.

This one-day short course offers a focused exploration of modern econometric methods for evaluating health policies and programs. Participants will learn key methods, including fixed-effects panel data models, difference-in-differences, regression discontinuity design, and bounding treatment effects, and how to apply these methods to real-world health data. The course will also address the growing availability of linked administrative data, discussing its strengths and limitations in evaluation contexts.

Throughout the day, participants will engage with case studies on topics including the impacts of the Better Access Initiative on the health workforce, the effects of education reforms on health, the impact of extreme heat on WorkCover insurance claims, and the health effects of manufacturing plant closures.

Delivery is face-to-face, with no online option available.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, participants will:

  • Have developed familiarity with key evaluation methods, including fixed-effects panel data models, difference-in-differences, and regression discontinuity design.
  • Be able to critically assess the application of these methods in evaluating health policies and programs.
  • Understand the potential of linked administrative data and be acquainted with a range of data sources relevant to health policy evaluation
  • Recognise common challenges in modelling health and healthcare outcomes.

Who should attend?

The course is intermediate-level, designed for those with some prior knowledge of basic econometrics, statistics, or data analysis – but it does not require familiarity with the econometric techniques covered. Notably, it will not include hands-on computer sessions with data sets or software.

This course is suitable for:

  • Healthcare managers and public servants involved in health policy evaluation
  • Health professionals in managerial roles seeking to deepen their understanding of evidence-based decision-making
  • Consultants and analysts in health, human services, and public health sectors
  • Academics and researchers applying econometric methods to health data

Faculty

Professor David JohnstonProfessor David Johnston

David has extensive experience in evaluating health policies using econometric methods. His research leverages novel data to uncover the causal impacts of policies, providing insights that inform better decision-making. His current projects focus on the economics of mental health, child maltreatment, and the impacts of people's environment and extreme events.

Senior Research Fellow Anh TrinhDr Anh Trinh

Anh’s research focuses on the socioeconomic impacts of health policies and environmental changes, utilising large-scale data and advanced econometric methods. His current projects explore the economics of child maltreatment and income inequity in mental healthcare use.

Danusha JayawardanaDr Danusha Jayawardana

Danusha has expertise in econometric analysis of complex longitudinal survey data and administrative records to inform evidence-based policies. Her current research focuses on the economics of child and adolescent development as well as mental health.

Places are limited.