Behav., Econ., & Health Decision-Making

Behavioral economics is the study of emotional and psychological influences on decision making. This course offers an introduction to behavioral economics and its applications to health and health care decision-making. It covers theories behind why people make certain health-related economic decisions, especially when those decisions may be contrary to their best interest. Students will learn the impact that behavioral factors affecting patients, providers, and patient-provider interaction can have on decision-making, treatment choices, costs, and health outcomes. Application of behavioral economics to influencing patient and provider behavior in health care settings, as well as application of behavioral economics to public policy making will be covered.