Upcoming Events | Network of Alberta Health Economists

Health Economics and Technology Assessment Rounds IV

September 16, 2020 - May 19, 2021

The NOAHE Health Economics and Technology Assessment Rounds are presented by the Institute of Health Economics, the University of Calgary Health Economics Group and HTA Unit, and the University of Alberta Health Economics Unit. Their aim is to advance health economics research and support evidence-based health policy, to improve the health outcomes of Canadians.

Health Economics and Technology Assessment Rounds IV

September 16, 2020 - May 19, 2021

Event details

Location:

Venue:

Dates: September 16, 2020 - May 19, 2021

Round Objectives

To present research on topics of relevance to Health Economists, trainees, and policy makers across Alberta.
To bring experts in Health Economics to Alberta to present on cutting edge research.
To encourage collaboration and discourse between Alberta health economists, and with policy makers.

Please note that the views expressed in this series and other deliverables associated with NOAHE are not necessarily representative of any particular organization involved.

2020 - 2021 Dates

NOTE: All NOAHE Rounds IV Sessions will be online-only.

Sept 16, 2020 - Click here for more information
Oct 21, 2020 - Click here for more information
Nov 18, 2020 - Click here for more information
Dec 2, 2020 - Click here for more information
Jan 20, 2021 - Click here for more information
Feb 17, 2021 - Click here for more information
Mar 17, 2021 - Click here for more information
Apr 21, 2021 - Click here for more information
May 19, 2021 - Click here for more information

Upcoming Session Information

Please click here for information on past Rounds IV sessions

*Individual session information will be updated as available*

April 21, 2021 - Session 8

Topic: Sleepio: real-world evaluation and NICE assessment of a digital health technology

Presenter Name: Chris Sampson, PhD, Principal Economist, Office of Health Economics
Abstract: Sleepio is an automated digital programme that delivers cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia. Sleepio is effective in improving sleep difficulties and was recently submitted for assessment as part of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Medical Technologies Evaluation Programme (MTEP). We assessed the effect of a population-wide rollout of Sleepio on primary care costs in the National Health Service (NHS) in England. These findings informed the economic assessment for MTEP. This presentation will summarise the empirical work and its use in a novel NICE assessment process.

The study was conducted in the Thames Valley region of England, where access to Sleepio was made freely available to all residents between October 2018 and January 2020. We used primary care data for people with relevant characteristics from nine general practices in Buckinghamshire. The study relies on a quasi-experimental design, using an interrupted time series to compare the trend in primary care costs before and after the rollout of Sleepio. Primary care costs include general practice contacts and prescriptions. Segmented regression analysis was used to estimate primary and secondary outcomes. Information on uptake and engagement were collected through the Sleepio app. We used these data to construct a budget impact model and to populate NICE’s economic modelling template.

For the 10,704 patients included in our sample, the total saving over the 65-week follow-up period was £71,027. This corresponds to £6.64 per person in our sample or around £70.44 per Sleepio user. Secondary analyses suggest that savings may be driven primarily by reductions in prescriptions. National adoption of Sleepio may reduce primary care costs by £20 million in the first year. The economic model shows an overall cost-saving and is currently under consideration by NICE. The impact on primary care costs in any setting will depend on the uptake of Sleepio.