HP4D6E Half Unit
Behavioural Insights for Health Incentive Design
This information is for the 2020/21 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Joan Costa-Font COW 1.06
Availability
This course is available on the Executive MSc in Health Economics, Outcomes and Management in Cardiovascular Sciences and Executive MSc in Health Economics, Policy and Management. This course is not available as an outside option.
Course content
The course it is structured in three sections. The first section introduces behavioural incentives, cognitive biases, behavioural market and political failure in the health and health care. Methods for behavioural inventive design. Health perceptions learning and behaviour formation. Rational learning, bounded learning, Bayesian learning, Social learning, Emotional learning. A second section discusses specific behavioural incentives. More specifically, monetary and social incentives in explaining health behaviours. It discusses the effects of personal budgets, social norms social preferences. The section convers identity models, as well as the role of envy, guilt and regret. Next, it discusses the effect of narratives, and the effect of esteem and stigma. The section then addresses the role of altruism and health, and health inequality aversion. Finally, the course discusses the role of nudge and reference points, alongside the cultural transmission and joint formation of health behaviours. A final section is devoted to study the specific behavioural mechanisms such as the role of behavioural spillovers and prevention failures, time and heuristics in health care use. Anchoring, reminders risk and preferences, risk perceptions. Hassle costs and insurance misunderstandings.
Teaching
The course will be delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars totalling a minimum of 24 hours. Students will take part in workshops which include a small group group and discussion of case studies. Groups will prepare a short presentation of aa question that builds on content delivered in the lectures.
Formative coursework
It is expected students to participate in organised discussion during workshop preparations and will prepare for the workshop presentations.
Indicative reading
• Hanoch, Y, A Barnes and T Rice (2017) Behavioural Economics and Healthy Behaviors: Key Concepts and Current Research. Routledge.
Assessment
Project (100%, 3000 words).
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2020/21 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the situation of students in attendance on campus and those studying online during the early part of the academic year. For assessment, this may involve changes to mode of delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Health Policy
Total students 2019/20: Unavailable
Average class size 2019/20: Unavailable
Controlled access 2019/20: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Leadership
- Self-management
- Team working
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
