The Department of Public Health of the Erasmus Medical Center (MC), and Erasmus School of Health Policy & Management (ESHPM) of Erasmus University Rotterdam have a position for 2 PhD students on a research project on “value-based health care”

In modern-day healthcare, diagnostic and treatment options are expanding rapidly, while chronic diseases and comorbid conditions are increasing. At the same time, quality of care falls short of its potential, while cost growth has become unsustainable. One approach to deal with these challenges is to aim at maximizing value for money by following the concept of value-based healthcare (VBHC). In other words: the best outcomes from the perspective of the patient at the lowest possible costs.

This research project aims to provide the scientific basis for the drive towards VBHC, by addressing the following specific objectives:
(1) Development of reliable methods for measuring costs and health outcomes, and assessment of the validity of these measures as indicators of quality of care and value;
(2) Development and evaluation of feasible and effective methods for steering on health outcomes, including value-based payment approaches;
(3) Using these indicators and steering methods to drive improvement in care processes and assess the effects of steering on health outcomes on the quality and costs of health care.

Possible studies to address these objectives include analysis of large databases to analyse the association between outcomes and quality of care, design of methods for steering on health outcomes, conducting small-scale experiments with steering on health outcomes in several clinical areas (at least including “stroke”), and implementation of effective methods for steering on health outcomes. The project will be performed in close collaboration with clinical departments of the Erasmus MC, including the departments of neurology and surgery.

One PhD-student will focus mainly on the analysis of (data on) outcomes, quality of care, and costs (subtopic: “measuring value in healthcare”) and will be appointed at the Department of Public Health of the Erasmus MC.

The other PhD-student will mainly focus on the design and evaluation of steering methods, including value-based payment schemes (subtopic: “increasing value in healthcare”), and will be appointed at ESHPM of Erasmus University.

Applicants are expected to have an (almost) completed Master’s degree in Medicine, Health economics, Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biomedical sciences, Health sciences or a comparable education. The ideal candidate has advanced analytical skills, interest in quantitative methods, and a strong motivation for doing methodological research in the field of health care. Applicants must be able to work in a structured way and independently, show initiative, have excellent communication and writing skills in English, and like to collaborate closely in a multidisciplinary group. Excellent communication and writing skills in Dutch are an advantage, as well as experience in writing scientific papers. Computer skills should at least include Excel, R, SPSS or similar statistical software. Being able to present a certificate of good conduct is a condition for the appointment.

Depending on where you’re appointed (Erasmus MC or Erasmus University) the following employment conditions apply:
 
Erasmus MC, department of Public Health
The PhD-student is appointed for a period of 4 years, starting with a temporary contract for 1.5 years and followed by a second temporary contract for 2.5 years. The gross monthly salary amounts a minimum of € 2.644, depending on your level of education and relevant experience and based on a full-time working week of 36 hours. The terms of employment are in accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement for University Medical Centers (CAO UMC). We offer generous opportunities for further education and personal development.

Erasmus University, ESHPM
The PhD-student is appointed for a period of 4 years, starting with a temporary contract for 1.5 years, followed by a second temporary contract for 2.5 years. Remuneration will be in accordance with the PhD scale set by the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Fulltime work will pay € 2.222 before taxes in year 1, increasing to € 2.840 in year 4. Erasmus University offers a set year-end bonus of 8.3% and offers generous opportunities for further education.

Erasmus University Rotterdam

The expertise of Erasmus University Rotterdam (EUR) is concentrated in the fields of  Business Administration,  Economics, Medicine and Health Sciences, Law, Social Sciences, History, Culture and Communication, and Philosophy. In addition to the initial degree programmes and scientific research, the University offers specific postgraduate study programmes and courses. Erasmus University has around 25,000 students and some 2,700 staff members.

http://www.eur.nl/

The research project is a close collaboration between the department of Public Health of the Erasmus MC and ESHPM of Erasmus University.

Erasmus MC, department of Public Health
A healthy population and excellence in healthcare through research and education. This is what Erasmus MC stands for. Conducting ground-breaking work, pushing boundaries and leading the way. In research, education, and healthcare. We are practical people with a high level of expertise, working hard to improve and renew the healthcare of today and the public health of tomorrow.
The department of Public Health aims to conduct eminent research and provide excellent education with a discernable impact on population health at the local, national, and international level. We have ~130 staff members and annually ~20 PhD defences and >300 publications. This position is offered within the research group Medical Decision Making, which carries out ground breaking methodological research, as well as applied research in close collaboration with (international) researchers in a wide range of medical fields.

Erasmus University, ESHPM
A unique blend of talent, internationally oriented, and a strong focus on societal values and progress. That is Erasmus University. Erasmus University provides excellent education to students and is part of the international top in several research areas. At the renovated campus Woudestein, top researchers, teachers, support staff and students meet each other, contributing to a distinctive and lively ambiance. Working at Erasmus University means doing meaningful and versatile work, with plenty of room for personal development and own initiative.
ESHPM has a strong connection to the Erasmus MC and is leading in the Netherlands with its education and research targeted at policy and management issues in health care. ESHPM, which currently has ~150 staff-members and ~1,000 students, offers a bachelor programme and two master programmes. In addition, it offers post-academic educational programmes and courses for master programme graduates. Research and education are closely intertwined. Knowledge and experience in various disciplines such as economics, law, public administration, and social-medical sciences are uniquely brought together and applied to health care. The position is offered within the research group Health Systems & Insurance, which distinguishes itself by independent and excellent research regarding the organization and financing of healthcare systems.