CHE Seminar Series: Valuing Child Health in HTA: Methodological challenges and policy implications from the TORCH Program
This presentation reports on two qualitative studies from the Tools for Outcomes Research to Measure and Value Child Health (TORCH) research program, funded by the Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF). TORCH aimed to develop and refine methods for measuring and valuing child health to inform policy.
Study 1 explored the relative value of child and adult Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gains in health technology assessment (HTA) through interviews with young people, adults, and decision-makers. Participants expressed nuanced perspectives on integrating societal values in HTA. While most recognised some moral relevance of child status in HTA, opinions varied on its practical application.
Study 2 assessed the feasibility of best-worst scaling (BWS) surveys and discrete choice experiments (DCEs) in children aged 8-12 years using think-aloud interviews. Findings showed that while both methods were feasible, BWS was generally easier for children to comprehend and complete.
The presentation will give an overview of methodological, ethical, and practical challenges encountered, including adapting complex HTA concepts for younger participants and ensuring meaningful engagement. Findings highlight the importance of age-appropriate methods and the potential for children's involvement in HTA processes. Recommendations for HTA policy emphasise the need for inclusive, context-sensitive approaches that consider the perspectives of children and young people.
Speaker profile
Dr Marcus Sellars is an early career researcher and Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ADPRF) at Deakin University, with a background in psychology and expertise in qualitative research methods. Prior to his current role at Deakin, Marcus worked as a Research Fellow at the ANU and led a series of qualitative studies within a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) project aimed at evaluating existing tools and developing novel measures for assessing and valuing children's health. Central to his work is active engagement with healthcare consumers, clinicians, and policy makers, fostering collaborative partnerships to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact Trong-Anh.Trinh@monash.edu.
Event Details
- Date:
- 11 September 2024 at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Venue:
- Caulfield campus, Building H, Level 9, Room H914
- Categories:
- CHE Seminar; General
Description
This presentation reports on two qualitative studies from the Tools for Outcomes Research to Measure and Value Child Health (TORCH) research program, funded by the Medical Research Futures Fund (MRFF). TORCH aimed to develop and refine methods for measuring and valuing child health to inform policy.
Study 1 explored the relative value of child and adult Quality Adjusted Life Year (QALY) gains in health technology assessment (HTA) through interviews with young people, adults, and decision-makers. Participants expressed nuanced perspectives on integrating societal values in HTA. While most recognised some moral relevance of child status in HTA, opinions varied on its practical application.
Study 2 assessed the feasibility of best-worst scaling (BWS) surveys and discrete choice experiments (DCEs) in children aged 8-12 years using think-aloud interviews. Findings showed that while both methods were feasible, BWS was generally easier for children to comprehend and complete.
The presentation will give an overview of methodological, ethical, and practical challenges encountered, including adapting complex HTA concepts for younger participants and ensuring meaningful engagement. Findings highlight the importance of age-appropriate methods and the potential for children's involvement in HTA processes. Recommendations for HTA policy emphasise the need for inclusive, context-sensitive approaches that consider the perspectives of children and young people.
Speaker profile
Dr Marcus Sellars is an early career researcher and Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow (ADPRF) at Deakin University, with a background in psychology and expertise in qualitative research methods. Prior to his current role at Deakin, Marcus worked as a Research Fellow at the ANU and led a series of qualitative studies within a Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) project aimed at evaluating existing tools and developing novel measures for assessing and valuing children's health. Central to his work is active engagement with healthcare consumers, clinicians, and policy makers, fostering collaborative partnerships to drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery.
Weekly seminar series
As part of our Centre's vibrant research culture, we host a weekly seminar series. Visiting and invited researchers present current research relating to the economics of health and wellbeing, and the healthcare sector. Visitors are welcome to join these sessions where discussion and debate is encouraged.
For further information on our seminar series, please contact Trong-Anh.Trinh@monash.edu.