___ ___ _______________ ________ / / / / / _____________/ / ___ | / / / / / / / / | | _ / / / / / / / / | | |_| / / / / / / / / | | _ / /__________/ / / /______ / /______| | | | / ___________ / / _______/ / ________ | | | / / / / / / / / | | | | / / / / / / / / | | | | / / / / / / / / | | | | / / / / / /_____________ / / | | |_| /__/ /__/ /________________/ /__/ |__| N E W S ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||| Volume 4, Number 8, August 1999 ||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| A publication of the INTERNATIONAL HEALTH ECONOMICS ASSOCIATION (iHEA) **** Back issues of iHEA NEWS are archived on the iHEA WWW homepage: **** **** < http://healtheconomics.org> **** EDITORIAL BOARD W. David Bradford, Ph.D. Center for Health Care Research, Medical University of South Carolina Jim Burgess, Ph.D. Management Science Group, Department of Veterans Affairs NOTES TO CONTRIBUTORS The editors must hear from you so that iHEA NEWS can effectively serve as a medium of communication for iHEA members. We are soliciting contributions from all members who have information relevant to the membership at large. There are a number of specific items we are seeking: * Announcement of job openings; * Announcement of conferences or seminars in health economics; * Calls for papers by journals and book editors; * Announcements of new appointments and promotions; * Articles describing activities or new initiatives at your institution, Center or firm (perhaps describing your departmental or university programs in health economics, discussing new pedagogical tools used in health economics education, describing new governmental policy initiatives or programs, and so forth). Please send any contributions via e-mail to the editors: W. David Bradford or James Burgess . ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||| Contents for the Issue ||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| iHEA AND GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON SCHOLARS IN HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT JOBS UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA - BIRMINGHAM CENTRE FOR HEALTH ECONOMICS RESEARCH AND EVALUATION CITY UNIVERSITY, LONDON UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDIES INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE, NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES UNIVERSITY OF IOWA NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA ONTARIO HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION VA HEALTH ECONOMICS RESOURCE CENTER UNIVERSITY OF YORK CONFERENCES AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING FORTHCOMING ARTICLES HEALTH ECONOMICS, VOLUME 8(4) JUNE 1999 SOCIAL SCIENCE AND MEDICINE, VOLUME 49(7), 27-JUL-1999 SUBSCRIPTION AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ------------------------------------------------------------------------- This newsletter is typeset in Courier 10 point font, and reads best that format. If the document is not well-aligned, reset your mail reader to display a non-proportional font (such as Courier). ------------------------------------------------------------------------- ========================================================================= iHEA ANNOUNCEMENTS ========================================================================= NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION CONTACT: Nancy Chockley (202) 296-4426 INSTITUTE TO RECOGNIZE OUTSTANDING HEALTH CARE RESEARCH IN SIXTH ANNUAL RESEARCH AWARD The National Institute for Health Care Management Research and Educational Foundation is accepting applications for its Sixth Annual Health Care Research Award recognizing outstanding work in health policy and management. The award will focus on excellence in original and creative research in the areas of health care best practices and implementation of health care policy. The award includes a $5,000 prize to the winning entry in each of two categories: general health care and children's and family health issues. All submitted entries must have appeared in a peer-reviewed journal or similar quality publication between September 1, 1998 and August 31, 1999. All applications must be received by September 30, 1999. Please submit entries to the NIHCM Foundation, Research Award, 1225 19th Street, NW, Suite 710, Washington, DC, 20036. Entries are limited to two articles per author or joint authors, and should be accompanied by a $10 entry fee, two (81/2 x 11) copies of the article(s), a brief biography of the author(s) and a 100 word or less description of the relevance of the research to the health care industry or the implementation of health care policy. Entry forms will be mailed at the end of August, 1999; however, you may print an entry form from our WEB site at www.nihcm.org. Questions can be directed to e-mail address: amahoney@nihcm.org. ---------------------------------- THE ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION SCHOLARS IN HEALTH POLICY RESEARCH PROGRAM The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Scholars in Health Policy Research Program was established in 1992 to foster the development of creative thinkers and problem solvers in health policy. Recent graduates of doctoral programs in economics, political science, and sociology, including junior faculty, are invited to apply for this unique and challenging fellowship. Up to 12 Scholars are selected annually to participate in the Program at one of three nationally prominent academic institutions - the University of California at Berkeley (in collaboration with the University of California at San Francisco); The University of Michigan; and Yale University. There they have the opportunity to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary environments with faculty from the social sciences, medicine, public health, public policy, management, and law. Scholars also have access to the full range of university resources and receive annual stipend support of $60,000 for the first year and $62,500 for the second year of the program. There are no teaching or administrative responsibilities. To be eligible, applicants must have a doctoral degree in economics, political science, or sociology received after January 1, 1995 but not later than July 15, 2000. Preference will be given to applicants who have not previously worked in the area of health policy research. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. The deadline for receipt of applications is October 29, 1999. For application materials, e-mail or call the national program office: Scholars in Health Policy Research Program Boston University School of Management 595 Commonwealth Avenue, Room 546-B Boston, MA 02215-1704 Telephone: 617-353-9220 Fax: 617-353-9227 E-mail: rwjf@bu.edu ------------------------------- PROMOTION ANNOUNCEMENT As of July 1, 1999 David J. O'Hara, Ph.D. has been granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor. He will also be serving as chair of the economics department of Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis, MN, for a three year term beginning August 20, 1999. ========================================================================= JOBS ========================================================================= UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA BIRMINGHAM Senior Faculty Position in Aging Policy School of Public Health The Department of Health Care Organization and Policy in the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham announces an opening for a senior faculty member with interests in aging policy. The successful candidate will have a Ph.D. in health policy, economics, another social science, or the equivalent and have a record of publication, grant support and teaching commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor or Associate Professor with tenure. The candidate should have research interests in aging policy issues such as: the functioning of long term care markets; retirement decisions; low income, women and minority elderly; Medicare and Medicaid reform. The candidate will be expected to both mount an independent research agenda and collaborate with other health services researchers and clinicians in an interdisciplinary setting. Duties include teaching two courses per year at the masterís or doctoral level. All faculty are expected to seek funded research. Close linkages with the Center for Aging and the Lister Hill Center for Health Policy can be expected. Letters of application and nominations should be sent to Michael A. Morrisey, Ph.D., Professor and Chair of the Search Committee, UAB Lister Hill Center for Health Policy, 1665 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294-0022. Email: morrisey@uab.edu. Phone: 205/975-8966. Fax: 205/934-3347. Applicants should include a letter of interest and a curriculum vitae. The University of Alabama at Birmingham is an equal employment opportunity employer. ----------------------- CENTRE FOR HEALTH ECONOMICS RESERACH AND EVALUATION The Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) is a centre of excellence in health economics and health services research. The Centre aims to contribute to the development and application of health economics through research, teaching and policy support. The Centre is an affiliated research unit of the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Sydney. NEW POSITIONS - HEALTH ECONOMISTS Principal Research officer/Senior Research officer/Research officer CHERE is seeking to recruit suitably qualified, enthusiastic researchers who wish to work in health economics. Exciting new opportunities exist due to recent successful grant applications. Successful applicants will be expected to contribute to the research activities of the Centre, either as a member of a team or independently. It is expected that applicants will have expertise in health economics research and evaluation and/or health services research. The level of appointment will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful applicants. Appointments will be for a period of up to two years and may be renewed without advertisement for a further period, with the agreement of the parties concerned, subject to need and availability of funding. Appointments are to the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation in the Central Sydney Area Health Service under the Health Managers (state) award. Duties: Conduct health economics research and evaluation, contribute to the teaching and/or health policy program of the Centre where appropriate and undertake associated administrative duties. Essential: Honours or post-graduate degree in economics and/or relevant health economics experience. Experience in research. Demonstrated high level of written and oral communication skills. Desirable: Knowledge of Australian health care system and health policy issues. Experience in quantitative research in social sciences, including use of statistical packages or experience in economic modelling. Familiarity with public health issues. Salary: Principal Research Officer: $ 59,579 - $ 88,178 Senior Research Officer: $ 51,237 - $60,770 Research Officer: $ 38,976 - $ 52,430 Individuals appointed at PRO will be eligible for award of an academic title by The University of Sydney. Enquires about this position should be addressed to:- Ms. Rosalie Viney, Deputy Director, CHERE Level 6, Building F 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown NSW 2050 AUSTRALIA Telephone 61 2 9351 0900 Facsimile 61 2 9351 0930 rosaliev@chere.usyd.edu.au www.chere.usyd.edu.au An expression of interest, including curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and fax numbers of three referees should be forwarded to Ms. Viney by 6th September, 1999. ----------------------- CITY UNIVERSITY, LONDON Research Assistant post in Health Economics at City University, London Details: This post is a 2 year position to work on statistical issues in economic evaluation. The post will be on salary Range 1A (#16,286 to #24,479 plus London Allowance of #2,134). The position is based in the Health Economics Group within the Department of Economics working under the direction of Professor Alistair McGuire. Further details can be gained from the Department web site [http://www.city.ac.uk/economics/] or by contact Ms J. Pitt-Jones on (44) 0171 477 8503 Professor Alistair McGuire a.mcguire@city.ac.uk Department of Economics, City University, Northampton Square, London EC1V 0HB (44) 0171 477 8518 ------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE Dental Health Services Research Unit HEALTH ECONOMIST TO WORK AS RESEARCH FELLOW/PROGRAMME METHODOLOGIST (stlg15,735 - stlg23,651) The Dental Health Services Research Unit was established at the University of Dundee in 1979 and is funded by the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Office Department of Health. It is a Member of the MRC Health Services Research Collaboration. The DHSRU has 3 research programmes in the fields of dental information, dental caries and evidence based dental practice. A post is available for a Health Economist to work as research methodologist in the programme concerned with dental information and to contribute to work within the 2 other programmes. The post will initially be for 3 years, with the possibility of extension. Applications for this post are invited from those with a qualification in economics and appropriate research experience. The ideal candidate would also have postdoctoral experience in Health Economics Research or Health Services Research. The work will consist of developing innovative research which has relevance to the provision of dentistry within the National Health Service in Scotland. The DHSRU has access to a dataset of national dental care information and is establishing a practice based research network in collaboration with primary dental care workers in Scotland. Informal enquiries are welcomed and further details are available. Please contact: Dr N M Nuttall, tel: (01382) 635753, or Professor N B Pitts, tel: (01382) 635959, or fax: (01382) 226550, or e-mail: n.m.nuttall@dundee.ac.uk, or n.b.pitts@dundee.ac.uk. Applications by CV & covering letter (2 copies of each), complete with the names, addresses, telephone/fax numbers of 2 referees, should be sent to Personnel Services, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 4HN. Please quote reference EST/406A/89 . Closing date : 27 August 1999. The University is an equal opportunities employer Marilyn Laird, Unit Administrator, Dental Health Services Research Unit, Dental Hospital and School, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HR, Scotland, UK. Tel. +44 (0)1382 425752 (Direct) +44 (0)1382 425753 (Office) Fax. +44 (0)1382 226550 Web-site: http://www.dundee.ac.uk/dhsru/ email: m.laird@dundee.ac.uk ------------------------------ INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS AND FINANCE - IHS-HEALTHECON Researcher in Health Economics The Institute for Advanced Studies (IHS) in Vienna Austria, is seeking researchers at either the senior or junior level to examine the economic impacts of health system developments and the effects of these changes on service delivery, access and overall efficiency. The main task will be the data-assisted production of both research reports and country reports in the IHS HealthEcon group. The Institute is a private, non-profit organization. Activities at the Institute for Advanced Studies include basic research, applied research and post-graduate education at the highest international level. As a post-graduate research and education institution it trains highly qualified young scientists and managers, offering two-year training courses for university graduates that lead to a diploma. It is divided into four departments: Economics and Finance, Transition Economics, Sociology and Political Science. The multi-disciplinary research group IHS HealthEcon forms part of the Department of Economics and Finance. Responsibilities The Institute is seeking candidates to initiate and perform research in three broad areas: Austria-specific features of the health system, cross country comparisons, analytical studies and the organizational and market aspects of health system change, addressed through a combination of the Institute's databases and secondary data. Successful candidates may have interests in one or all areas of research. Research results will be written up as peer-reviewed articles or institute publications. Researchers are expected to present research findings at conferences and meetings. They also share responsibilities for managing data collection activities and junior research staff. Qualifications Ph.D. in economics or public policy, public health, health services research with special focus on economics. Demonstrated knowledge of relevant statistical research techniques including the usage of international databases. Candidates for a senior level position must have a minimum of 5 years post graduate research experience and an appropriate publication record. To apply, send letter of interest, vitae, and sample of relevant publications to: Dr. Christian Helmenstein Head of department Tel.:+43 - 1 - 59 9 91-143 Fax:+43 - 1 - 59 9 91-163 E-mail: helmen@ihs.ac.at http://www.ihs.ac.at Monika Riedel Institute for Advanced Studies HealthEcon Stumpergasse 56 A 1060 Vienna riedel@ihs.ac.at tel (+ 43) 1 59 991 126 ------------------------------------ INSTITUTE OF MEDICINE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES Position: Project Director Reports To: Director, Health Care Services Division Job Summary The Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences is currently seeking an individual with knowledge of alternative healthcare payment methods to direct a study of Medicare payment policies for clinical laboratory services. Specifically, the study addresses the following issues: A. Describe the clinical laboratory industry and, where applicable, document significant differences between the situation of this industry today versus the early 1980's, when the current design of Medicare's clinical laboratory payment methodology was introduced. Factors such as the following should be addressed: the nature and volume of tests performed, sites of testing, the role of automated equipment, reimbursement by public and private payers, access by beneficiaries to services, and quality of testing. B. Document recent trends in laboratory technology and discuss expectations for future trends. Discuss the realized and possible future impacts of these trends on costs, access, and quality of clinical laboratory tests and services. C. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current Medicare payment methodology for outpatient laboratory tests. This assessment should include consideration of the role and effectiveness of this methodology in helping assure access of beneficiaries to needed services of high quality, in containing costs, and in responding to technological changes (both in facilitating access to improved services and in securing the advantages of cost saving changes in methods of testing). D. Analyze available information on the costs of performing a limited number of selected laboratory tests, and present information to help evaluate the effects of laboratory size, specialty, site of service, and geographic location. E. Describe and assess alternative Medicare payment methodologies. For each option, (1) describe and provide an example of the method, (2) describe, in general terms, legislative changes and administrative steps that would be necessary to implement the method, (3) consider the paperwork and financial costs of introducing and using the method on Medicare, the laboratory industry, and physicians and others prescribing tests, and (4) analyze the advantages and disadvantages of the method in comparison to others. The individual should have an advanced degree in health care economics, finance or a related area and at least 7 years experience in advanced health care policy and research. Excellent writing and analytic skills required. The Institute of Medicine, a private, not-for-profit organization, is a part of the National Academy of Sciences, which was established in 1863 under congressional charter to provide independent scientific advice to the government, the public and the scientific communities. Please send your resume to: Janet Corrigan, PhD Director, Health Care Services Division Institute of Medicine National Academy of Sciences 2101 Constitution Ave., NW FO 3110 Washington DC 20418 jcorriga@NAS.EDU 202-334-2165 202-334-1463 (fax) -------------------------------- UNIVERSITY OF IOWA Head, Department of Community and Behavioral Health The University of Iowa, College of Public Health The University of Iowa, College of Public Health, seeks qualified and experienced candidates for the Head of the new Department of Community and Behavioral Health in the new College of Public Health. The successful candidate is expected to lead the new Department to levels of national recognition in academic productivity in research, service, and teaching comparable to the other departments in the College of Public Health, and to work closely with other academic units within The University of Iowa to foster interdisciplinary collaboration. It is presumed that the new Director will be appointed at the level of Professor; joint appointments within the College of Medicine or other campus units are possible as well. The new College of Public Health has 41 full-time faculty, 150 professional staff, and 35 support staff who work with an annual budget of $20 million, $14 million of which comes from extramural research funding. The new College of Public Health has four other departments: Epidemiology, Biostatistics, Health Management and Policy, and Occupational and Environmental Health. Each of these academic units currently has successful teaching and research programs and currently offer masters and doctoral degree programs. Currently, there are 46 students in doctoral programs and 105 students in masters programs. A new Master of Public Health program will enroll its initial class in the fall of 1999. Candidates for head of the Department of Community and Behavioral Health must have a PhD, DrPH or an MD (with a MPH or equivalent degree and/or experience) with at least 5 years of academic experience in a community health and/or behavioral/social science discipline relevant to public health. Teaching experience is required. A record of research productivity, including extramural funding, is required. Demonstrated leadership and administrative ability, excellent communication skills, evidence of collaborative efforts in teaching and/or research, and a record of community service are highly desirable. The newly formed Department of Community and Behavioral Health has four primary faculty members. The transition to the new College of Public Health will provide the resources necessary for new leadership to build this new department's research and teaching programs so that they are comparable to those of the other departments within the College. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are strongly encouraged to apply. The search committee is currently screening applicants and will continue to screen applicants until the position is filled. It is expected that the new Head will be appointed to begin in the spring of 2000. Nominations and applications, including a letter outlining interest and relevant experience with curriculum vitae, should be sent to: Professor Elizabeth Altmaier, Search Committee Chair Attention: Kathy Andrews College of Public Health 2707 Steindler Building The University of Iowa Iowa City, Iowa 52242 ------------------------------ NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OUTCOMES RESEARCH ANALYSTS The National Cancer Institute (NCI) anticipates future openings for several doctoral level positions within its newly created Outcomes Research Section (ORS), of the Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences. This section, within the Division's Applied Research Branch, is developing a research program that is intended to help shape the national agenda in cancer outcomes measurement and analysis. ORS will sponsor and coordinate research examining how both traditional and innovative endpoint measures can be incorporated into the broad range of studies focusing on cancer outcomes -- from clinical trials, linical trials, to national surveillance activities, to special studies on the quality of care. Thus, in addition to such standard and well understood endpoints as tumor response and toxicity events disease-free survival, ORS-sponsored projects will focus on such complementary outcome measures as patient functional status, quality-adjusted life years, and the net economic cost of cancer prevention and treatment programs. ORS will foster the development of valid, reliable endpoint measures that can be employed, in a consistent fashion, across a wide variety of studies examining cancer outcome trends, the quality of care, and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. Consistent with this objective, ORS will also support research into the determinates of clinical trial participation; provide technical assistance on the integration of innovative outcomes measures into clinical trials, where appropriate; and advise the NCI Director and the NCI Director of Extramural Research on the application of outcomes measures in trials and population-based studies. The work of the Outcomes Research Section will be carried out through reviews, evaluations, and analyses conducted by section staff; through informal contacts and collaborations with experts in the field; through meetings, workshops, and conferences convened by the section; and through sponsorship of extramural research (both grants and contracts) and consulting activities. Within this expanding new effort at NCI, exciting opportunities will be available for individuals with expertise in epidemiology and biostatistics, health economics, psychometrics, survey research methodology, decision sciences, and other fields within health services research that relate to the theory and practice of outcomes measurement and analysis. Candidates should hold a Ph.D. or have the equivalent training and experience. It is desirable, but not required, to have training or experience in cancer-related research. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential for work in this interdisciplinary setting. U.S. citizenship is required. The salary range for these positions will be $55,027 - $89,142 (GS-13 to GS-14). The location is Bethesda, Maryland, close to Washington, D.C. Excellent benefits. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. NCI/NIH is an equal opportunity employer. Please send a CV and letter describing your background and interests, by Sept. 15, 1999, to: Joseph Lipscomb, Ph.D., Outcomes Research Section, ARB, DCCPS, EPN 313, 6130 Executive Blvd., MSC 7344, Bethesda, MD 20892-7344. Email: joseph_lipscomb@nih.gov; fax: (301) 435-3710. ------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center College of Public Health Oklahoma City, OK Position Announcement for Chair of Health Administration and Policy The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is seeking to fill the position of chair of the Department of Health Administration and Policy. Minimum requirements for candidates wishing to be considered for the position are an earned doctorate in health administration and policy or a related field, a history of research funding and evidence of current scholarly activity/research, evidence of academic leadership, graduate teaching experience, strong leadership skills, and tenurability at the senior associate or full professor level. Desirable traits for the position include previous experience with Accrediting Commission for Health Services Administration (ACHESA) program accreditation, experience advising graduate students and mentoring student research, evidence of strong management skills, and a history of community service. Additionally, the candidate should be recognized as an authority in a research field. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Candidates desiring additional guidance in preparing submissions may contact Dr. David Johnson at the address shown below, or visit the Department's web site at http://w3.ouhsc.edu/hap/. Interested applicants should send a curriculum vitae and letter of application to: David L. Johnson, Ph.D. Health Administration and Policy Chair Search Committee College of Public Health The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center P.O. Box 26901, CHB-413 Oklahoma City, OK 73190 THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA HEALTH SCIENCES CENTER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER ------------------------------ ONTARIO HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION Job Title: Post Doctorate Fellow Division: Joint Policy and Planning Committee (JPPC) Status: One Year Secondment Description: The Joint Policy and Planning Committee (JPPC) is a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Ontario hospitals, through the Ontario Hospital Association. The role of the JPPC is to advise the Ministry and assist hospitals in areas of policy and planning related to hospital reform, within the context of the health system reform. Under the auspices of the Psychiatric Working Group of the JPPC, and as a result of the Phase I project work, the Resident Assessment Instrument for Mental Health (RAI-MH) was developed. The RAI-MH is a multidisciplinary instrument comprised of assessment protocols, indicators of quality and outcome measures for mental health that will have a profound impact on individualized planning of patient care in Ontario, Canada, and internationally. The RAI-MH development lays the groundwork for Phase II of the RAI-MH Project, which deals with the development of a new case-mix classification system, known as Mental Health Utilization Groups (MHUGs). This will involve the assessment of approximately 4,000 psychiatric inpatients in Ontario hospitals, during the fall and winter of 1999/2000. Reporting to the Director RAI-MH the Post Doctorate Fellow will: provide technical, planning and logistical support and coordination for project-related groups/committees; perform communication, liaison and education functions within and beyond the JPPC overall committee structure; conduct literature reviews, research and analyses relating to policy and/or planning issues; participate fully in the development of the MHUGs case mix, case weights, associated methodology, and related documentation, including taking a leadership position in authoring the tracking and documentation of R & D efforts; collaborate in training pilot hospital staff in order to facilitate the development of patient groupings and case weights, and their link to quality indicators and/or outcome measures already imbedded in the RAI-MH; conduct multivariate data analysis, specification of research designs and preparation of two publishable manuscripts based on the MHUGs development for inclusion in a policy paper for submission to the JPPC Senior Committee, as well as refereed journals; prepare and deliver presentations based on the JPPC MHUGs/RAI-MH initiative at scientific, policy and practice venues; provide technical research support to clinicians specific to the JPPC MHUGs/RAI-MH development initiative; and develop grant proposals for follow-up research based on the MHUGs/RAI-MH. The successful candidate will possess: a Ph.D. in a discipline relevant to mental health; demonstrated experience conducting research/evaluation studies with mental health agencies and with quantitative research methods; highly developed project management, and process facilitation skills to bridge research and policy issues; strong oral, written, presentation and interpersonal skills; and the ability to work as a team member within a research and policy and planning environment. The incumbent will also possess strong computing skills and be conversant with computer word processing, spreadsheets, graphics and databases. Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter by August 7, 1999 to: Randy Fallis Human Resources Practitioner Ontario Hospital Association Suite 2800, 200 Front Street West Toronto, ON M5V 3L1 Fax: (416) 205-1392 Email: recruit@oha.com Only candidates with whom interviews are requested will be contacted. ------------------------------ VA HEALTH ECONOMICS RESOURCE CENTER Ph.D. and Masters level economists are needed to help the VA Health Economics Resource Center support health economics studies and research on the cost-effectiveness of medical care. We are a seeking a candidate with a Ph.D. in economics or a related discipline for a joint appointment with the Cooperative Studies Program Coordinating Center, a research unit that coordinates large- scale multi-site randomized clinical trials. This economist is expected to develop an independent research agenda and to publish in peer reviewed journals. A faculty appointment at the Stanford University Medical School is possible for the Ph.D. level position. We are also seeking a masters level economist to assist with projects, develop new data sources, prepare documentation, and manage the activities of a economics research consulting service. We are a growing and active group of health economists, biostatisticians, health services researchers, programmers, and support staff. We have an excellent research infrastructure, including a state of the art computer system and access to major health care databases. Salary and benefits are competitive. U.S. citizenship is required. We are an equal opportunity employer. Send your c.v., letter of interest, references, and a writing sample to: Paul G. Barnett, Ph.D., Health Economics Resource Center, Palo Alto VA Health Care System (152 MPD), 795 Willow Road, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Queries for additional information can be addressed to herc@mailsvr.icon.palo-alto.med.va.gov. ------------------------------ UNIVERSITY OF YORK CENTRE FOR HEALTH ECONOMICS NATIONAL PRIMARY CARE RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE RESEARCH FELLOW and SENIOR RESEARCH FELLOW Two economists are required for a programme of research into the economics of primary care. Applicants must have a capacity for economics research of the highest calibre and an aptitude for analysis of policy issues. The posts are not restricted to health economists and applications from those with an interest other areas of applied microeconomics, such as labour economics or industrial economics would be welcomed. One post is at Research Fellow Grade 2 or Senior Research Fellow Grade 3 (21,815 to 34,464) for three years in the first instance. The other post is at Research Fellow Grade 1 or 2 (15,735 to 23,651) for two years in the first instance. For further details contact the Personnel Office, University of York, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, (email clh9@york.ac.uk) quoting reference web/6052. Informal enquiries may be made to Professor Hugh Gravelle (email hg8@york.ac.uk; phone 01904 433663/433718 from 2 August). Closing date: 27 August 1999 ========================================================================= CONFERENCES ========================================================================= AMERICAN PUBLIC HEALTH ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING Chicago, Illinois; November 7-11, 1999 Final Deadline for Hotel Reservations is October 8, 1999 -- Call (800) 424-5248 (US/Canada) or (847) 940-2152 (rest of world) for more information on hotel reservations 8AM to 5PM Central Time Monday through Friday. Early Bird Conference Registration Deadline is September 1, 1999. For the first time, registration is available on the Web at: http://www.apha.org/convention/fusion99/html/registration.htm or call (202) 777-2742 for more information. The advance session announcements have the following sessions of general interest to health economists: SESSION 1218: Monday, November 8, 1999 -- 7:00PM to 8:30PM Economics of Health Care for Vulnerable Populations Presider: John Wayne 7:00 Determinants of Medicaid and Employer Sponsored Insurance Enrollment among Low Income Children - A.J. Davidoff; A.B. Garrett 7:15 The Rise in Old-Age Longevity and the Market for Long-Term Care - D.N. Lakdawalla; T.J. Philipson 7:30 Health Insurance Costs and Retirement among the Near Elderly - A.J. Davidoff; R.W. Johnson; K. Perese 7:45 Medicaid Managed Care: Are Rates Sufficient for these Economically Disadvantaged Populations? - E.K. Adams; J.M. Bronstein Sponsor: Medical Care SESSION 2057: Tuesday, November 9, 1999 -- 8:30AM to 10:00AM Health Care Consumers: Choice, Coverage and Use Presider: TBA 8:30 Cost-Minimizing Risk Adjustment and Selection - Y. Shen; R. Ellis 8:45 The Effect of Health Status on Price Sensitivity and Health Plan Choice and Switching Behavior - B. A. Strombom; T. C. Buchmueller 9:00 Employment as a Measure of the Quality of Cancer Survivorship - C.J. Bradley; H. Bednarek; J. Gardiner 9:15 The Effect of Medicare Supplemental Insurance on Medicare Expenditures - A. Atherly Sponsor: Medical Care SESSION 2146: Tuesday, November 9, 1999 -- 12:15PM to 1:45PM Understanding the Choices of Physicians, Health Plans and Employers Presider: TBA 12;15 Physician Adherence to Practice Guidelines: What Matters Most? - D. Viola 12:30 The Employer Decision to Offer Health Insurance to Workers - L. M. Nichols; L. J. Blumberg 12:45 The Determinants of Employer Health Benefit Choices - M. K. Bundorf 1:00 The Relationship between HMO Financial Performance and Quality of Care - C. J. Simon; P. H. Born Sponsor: Medical Care SESSION 2150: Tuesday, November 9, 1999 -- 12:15PM to 1:45PM Mental Health Care Utilization, Payment and Costs Presider: TBA 12:15 Shifting from Inpatient to Outpatient Care? Mental Health Utilization and Costs in a Privately Insured Population - D.L. Leslie; R.A. Rosenheck 12:30 Does Mental Health Coverage Affect Overall Health Costs? An Analysis of the Offset Effect - C. M. Saunders 12:45 Mental Health Insurance: Equal Access or Unequal Subsidy - V.V. Richman; A. Richman; L. MacLean; C. Nair 1:00 Evaluation of Mandated Benefits Using an Employer Sponsored Claims Data Base - K. S. Finison 1:15 The Private/Public Interface Of Mental Health Costs - C. Siegel; J. A. Samuels 1:30 Discussion Sponsor: Mental Health SESSION 3058: Wednesday, November 10, 1999 -- 8:30AM to 10:00AM Use of Data to Identify Issues in Health Care Delivery Presider: TBA 8:30 An Illustration of a Current Debate in Cost-Effectiveness Analysis: Average Cost-Effectiveness Ratios vs. Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios - J.S. Hoch 8:45 Profiling ED use In New York City - J. Billings; T. Mijanovich; N.S. Parikh; J. Cantor 9:00 Using an Electronic Medical Record for HEDIS Analysis - J. D. Burke; K. C. Burke; K. S. Culp; D. L. Myers 9:15 The Effect of Changes in Hospital Ownership on the Quality of Care - J. Spetz; A. Seago Sponsor: Medical Care SESSION 3062: Wednesday, November 10, 1999 -- 8:30AM to 10:00AM Health Care Providers: The Impact of Markets and Regulation Presider: TBA 8:30 The Impact of Hospital Mergers on Economic and Allocative Efficiency - R. J. Arnould; G. J. Bazzoli; M. Guo; H. L. Radach 8:45 Does Prospective Payment Really Contain Nursing Home Costs? - L. Chen; D. G. Shea 9:00 The Influence of Managed Care on the Geographic Distribution of the Healthcare Workforce: Do State-Level Factors Matter? - C. J. Simon; S. Y. D. Lee; J. Cooksey 9:15 Quality Report Cards: Risk-Adjusted Mortality Rates for Cardiac Surgeons and Managed Care Contracting Practices - D. B. Mukamel; J. Zwanziger; A.I. Mushlin; D. Weimer; T. Parker; I. Indridason Sponsor: Medical Care ========================================================================= FORTHCOMING ARTICLES ========================================================================= HEALTH ECONOMICS, VOLUME 8(4) JUNE 1999 Maynard, A. Inequalities in health: an introductory editorial Atkinson, A.B. Income inequality in the UK Contoyannis, P. and Forster, M. "Our healthier nation"? Williams, A. Commentary on the Acheson Report Birch, S. The 39 steps: the mystery of health inequalities in the UK Hu, T-W., Ong, M., Lin, Z-H. and Li, E. The effects of economic reform on health insurance and the financial burden for urban workers in China Lord, J. and Asante, M.A. Estimating uncertainty ranges for costs by the bootstrap procedure combined with probabilistic sensitivity analysis Shmueli, A. and Glazer, J. Addressing the inequity of capitation by variable soft contracts Coast, J. The appropriate uses of qualitative methods in health economics Reinhardt, U. Do you sincerely want to be rich? Book Reviews ------------------------------ SOCIAL SCIENCE AND MEDICINE, VOLUME 49(7), 27-Jul-1999 Informal economic activities of public health workers in Uganda: implications for quality and accessibility of care B Mcpake, D Asiimwe, F Mwesigye, M Ofumbi, L Ortenblad, P Streefland, A Turinde Do measures of self-reported morbidity bias the estimation of the determinants of health care utilisation? M Sutton, R Carr-Hill, H Gravelle, N Rice Does the work environment contribute to excess male mortality O Hemstrom How stable are people's preferences for giving priority to severely ill patients? PA Ubel ========================================================================= SUBSCRIPTION AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION ========================================================================= A subscription to iHEA NEWS is included as a benefit of membership in iHEA. iHEA has been formed to increase communication among health economists, foster a higher standard of debate in the application of economics to health and health care systems, and assist young researchers at the start of their careers. Activities of the association include: - Present the annual "Kenneth J. Arrow Award for Best Paper in Health Economics." - Hold biennial conferences, the first May 19-23, 1996 in Vancouver, B.C. 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