Health Economics

Health economics is a branch of economics which addresses issues related to efficiency, effectiveness, value and behaviour in the production and consumption of health and healthcare. Ensuring that cancer interventions, such as new diagnostic tools, drugs or surgical approaches, are cost-effective and are likely to improve patient health outcomes is central to Oxford health economics research. This is undertaken by working on clinical trials and observational data with clinical and laboratory colleagues. Oxford researchers also carry out interviews and surveys with patients, clinical staff, policy makers and the general public to ascertain their views on cancer care and funding options. A particular area of interest and expertise for health economists in Oxford is the evaluation of novel genomic technologies in cancer.