Cost-Utility Analysis for M&E Programs Training Course

Cost-Utility Analysis for M&E Programs Training Course

Introduction

Cost-Utility Analysis (CUA) is an advanced economic evaluation method essential for effective Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) of programs, enabling practitioners to assess interventions not only in terms of costs but also in relation to their outcomes and utility. Cost-Utility Analysis for M&E Programs Training Course equips professionals with the analytical skills to measure the cost-effectiveness of programmatic decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance evidence-based planning for sustainable impact. Leveraging real-world examples, participants will gain practical insights into designing and implementing CUAs to inform policy, program improvement, and stakeholder engagement.

With the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making, this course emphasizes integrating health economics, M&E frameworks, and advanced quantitative tools. Participants will explore methods to quantify health outcomes, compute utility measures like QALYs (Quality-Adjusted Life Years), and convert complex data into actionable insights for donors, policymakers, and program managers. By the end of this course, learners will confidently conduct CUAs, critically analyze program efficiency, and contribute to maximizing the value-for-money of M&E programs.

Course Duration

10 days

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Understand the fundamental principles of Cost-Utility Analysis (CUA) in M&E contexts.
2. Identify key cost components and quantify program expenditures.
3. Measure and evaluate health and social outcomes using utility metrics.
4. Apply QALYs, DALYs, and other utility-based indicators in program evaluation.
5. Integrate CUA findings into evidence-based decision-making frameworks.
6. Conduct incremental cost-utility analysis for comparative program evaluation.
7. Interpret CUA results for program prioritization and resource allocation.
8. Utilize software tools and data visualization techniques for CUA reporting.
9. Conduct sensitivity analyses to handle uncertainty in program costs and outcomes.
10. Incorporate ethical and equity considerations in cost–utility assessments.
11. Align CUA results with donor reporting requirements and policy advocacy.
12. Develop actionable recommendations from CUA to improve program efficiency.
13. Communicate CUA findings effectively to diverse stakeholders.

Target Audience

1. M&E Specialists and Program Evaluators
2. Health Economists
3. Policy Analysts
4. Program Managers and Coordinators
5. Donor Agency Representatives
6. NGO and Non-Profit Practitioners
7. Government M&E Departments
8. Research and Academic Professionals in Development and Public Health

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Cost–Utility Analysis

• Definition and scope of CUA in M&E
• Differences between CUA, CEA, and CBA
• Overview of QALYs and DALYs
• Importance of CUA in resource-limited settings
• Case Study: CUA in a maternal health program

Module 2: Cost Identification and Measurement

• Types of costs: direct, indirect, and intangible
• Micro-costing vs. gross-costing approaches
• Data collection techniques for program costs
• Cost standardization methods
• Case Study: Education program cost mapping

Module 3: Measuring Program Outcomes

• Defining program outcomes for CUA
• Health-related utility measurement
• Quality of Life assessments and scoring
• Converting outcomes into utility metrics
• Case Study: HIV intervention utility evaluation

Module 4: Calculating QALYs and DALYs

• QALY computation techniques
• DALY framework and interpretation
• Time preference and discounting
• Combining cost and utility for analysis
• Case Study: Malaria prevention program

Module 5: Incremental Cost-Utility Analysis

• Calculating incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs)
• Comparing interventions and alternatives
• Decision rules for cost-utility
• Handling multiple program options
• Case Study: Nutrition program comparison

Module 6: Sensitivity Analysis in CUA

• Deterministic vs. probabilistic sensitivity analysis
• Monte Carlo simulations for uncertainty
• Scenario analysis for policy planning
• Interpretation of sensitivity results
• Case Study: Vaccination program under uncertainty

Module 7: Software Tools for CUA

• Introduction to Excel, TreeAge, and R for CUA
• Data entry and validation
• Generating cost-utility curves
• Reporting CUA results digitally
• Case Study: Health project simulation

Module 8: Integrating CUA into M&E Frameworks

• Aligning CUA with program goals
• Reporting frameworks for stakeholders
• Linking CUA results with key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Integration into routine M&E practices
• Case Study: NGO multi-sectoral program

Module 9: Equity and Ethical Considerations

• Equity-adjusted cost-utility analysis
• Addressing vulnerable populations
• Ethical implications in resource allocation
• Guidelines for inclusive decision-making
• Case Study: CUA in a rural community health project

Module 10: Data Interpretation and Decision Making

• Interpreting ICERs and thresholds
• Prioritizing interventions based on utility
• Communicating trade-offs effectively
• Decision-making under budget constraints
• Case Study: Water sanitation program

Module 11: Reporting and Visualization

• Best practices for CUA reporting
• Graphical presentation of results
• Dashboards and stakeholder-friendly outputs
• Transparency and reproducibility in reporting
• Case Study: Public health intervention report

Module 12: Donor Alignment and Policy Impact

• Meeting donor requirements with CUA evidence
• Using CUA for advocacy and funding decisions
• Policy briefs and executive summaries
• Aligning analysis with strategic objectives
• Case Study: NGO advocacy using CUA

Module 13: Advanced Techniques in CUA

• Multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA)
• Dynamic modeling in CUA
• Handling complex interventions
• Integration with big data analytics
• Case Study: Integrated health system evaluation

Module 14: Challenges and Limitations of CUA

• Common pitfalls in cost and utility measurement
• Addressing bias and data gaps
• Limitations of utility metrics
• Ethical dilemmas in interpretation
• Case Study: Misestimation in chronic disease program

Module 15: Capstone Project

• Developing a full CUA for a chosen program
• Collecting cost and outcome data
• Performing analysis and generating ICERs
• Presenting findings to stakeholders
• Case Study: Capstone project on community-based health intervention

Training Methodology

This course employs a participatory and hands-on approach to ensure practical learning, including:

• Interactive lectures and presentations.
• Group discussions and brainstorming sessions.
• Hands-on exercises using real-world datasets.
• Role-playing and scenario-based simulations.
• Analysis of case studies to bridge theory and practice.
• Peer-to-peer learning and networking.
• Expert-led Q&A sessions.
• Continuous feedback and personalized guidance.

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount

Send us an email: info@datastatresearch.org or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.