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Investigating the contribution of MEF2C-regulated genes to different symptoms in a schizophrenia patient sample

Rationale: There is growing social and academic consensus that health maximisation is unlikely to be the sole or even main relevant objective for many categories of service users, for example those with chronic diseases and palliative conditions. A broader capability approach, defined as ‘wellbeing’, taking into account terms of an individual’s ability to ‘do’ and ‘be’, is warranted. This approach has been adopted in the UK and the Netherlands, and Ireland has the opportunity to join them as a leader in economic valuation of wellbeing though this project.
Aims and objectives: The aims of this fellowship are to value and assess the impact of the ICECAP outcome measures that capture broader wellbeing in line with capability approach in Ireland.
Methods: This project will be delivered through four interlinked work packages (WPs):
WP1 is ongoing consultation with an expert advisory group and concurrently conduct analysis of national and international data on measurement and valuation of capability within health and social care systems.
WP2 and WP3 is design, pilot and valuation study with a nationally representative sample.
WP4 is application of ICECAP in clinical trials nationally and internationally.
Output: The primary output will an Irish set of tariff values for ICECAP capability measures. Secondary outputs will be peer-reviewed publications of the findings. The findings of this fellowship will ensure valid evaluation of interventions and policies and will shape policy to more accurately meet patient needs. This research proposal will be conducted in collaboration with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to inform current decision-making processes.