BACKGROUND

Oral health is a key factor for overall health and quality of life. The burden of oral diseases is disproportionally high in vulnerable groups such as the poor and marginalized population. Additionally, the economic burden of dental treatment affects the low-income population. The 74th World Health Assembly adopted an oral health resolution that emphasized the importance of strengthening the provision of oral health care services. Oral health care services should be part of the universal healthcare package.

The burden of oral diseases is high in the Philippines. The global burden of disease study in 2019 estimated that 44 million people (40% of the population) are affected by the oral disorder. More specifically, 29 million people (27% of the population) have untreated dental caries. Outpatients' dental health services are not covered by the PhilHealth benefit package. There is a need to include key oral health interventions such as basic prevention and treatment to be included in the PhilHealth benefit package to be delivered at the primary health care settings.

PURPOSE/SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY

This TSA is to identify the oral health interventions, analyse the cost-effectiveness for oral health care services to be delivered at the different levels of health care within a comprehensive PhilHealth benefit package.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

Output 1 Conduct initial analysis and identify oral health intervention while engaging with key stakeholders including DoH, HTA, DPCB, and PhilHealth (40%)

Deliverable 1.1. Prepare inception report and work plan with detailed design and methodology specifying the activities, targets, and dates of executions

Deliverable 1.2. Systematically review relevant literature from existing health technology assessment, clinical practice guidelines, research, government documents in the Philippines and globally

Deliverable 1.3. Conduct consultations and discussions with DoH, HTA, DPCB, Philhealth and other stakeholders for the results of systematic and clinical practice guidelines review

Deliverable 1.4. Summarize initial analysis and identify oral health intervention from the review and consultation

Deliverable 1.5. Present and submit the findings to DoH, WPRO AGE and other stakeholders for comments and finalization

Output 2 Develop a cost – effectiveness analysis (60%)

Deliverable 2.1. Submit the study plan for the cost-effectiveness analysis

Deliverable 2.2. Analyse the potential sets of oral health interventions that should be included in PhilHealth

Deliverable 2.3. Conduct a microsimulation model cost-effectiveness analysis, and a budget

Deliverable 2.4. Write a cost effectiveness analysis report with a budget impact analysis of the most cost-effective set of interventions, and present the findings to DOH, Philhealth and other stakeholders for final comments and recommendations.

Deliverable 2.5. Submit the final report and recommend how this can be included in the Philhealth Benefit Package.

METHODS TO CARRY OUT THE ACTIVITY

Literature review, Cost-effectiveness analysis

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

• Essential: Advanced university degree in dental health and health economics
• Desirable: Public health

EXPERIENCE

• Essential: 5 or more years of conducting research in oral health field
• Desirable: Experience in a cost-effectiveness and policy analysis

TECHNICAL SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

• Strong academic, data analysis, and evaluation background
• Expertise in evidence based medicine
• Strong written and communication skills (coordination, report writing, academic manuscript writing, presentation)

LANGUAGES

Fluent in written and spoken English and Filipino

COMPETENCIES

• Communicating in a credible and effective way
• Producing results
• Fostering integration and teamwork

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• • Duration of contract: 6 months starting 2022
• • Place of assignment: Remote
• • Selection: Applications will be reviewed and only selected contractual partner/ Principal investigator will be contacted. The selected contractual partner/ principal investigator will be requested to submit documentation/ other requirements for WPRO ethics review clearance and decision prior contract issuance.

APPLICATIONS

Qualified and interested specialists should submit their Expression of Interest {cover letter}, CV {of principal investigator/ researcher} and/ or Company Profile {for institutional applications} and funding proposal {with budget breakdown} to the Supply Officer through WP RO UNGM at <[email protected] > by 11 November 2021. 

The cover letter should outline how their experience and qualifications make them a suitable candidate for this position and should include their proposed fee and availability/timelines.

Please use Tender Notice No. 153980 as subject to all submission. Only successful candidates will be contacted.