The economic stimulus package in the United States, which totalled $2.48 trillion, was designed to soften the economic impact of sweeping containment measures including shelter-in-place orders that were put in place to control the COVID-19 pandemic.
In healthcare, interventions are rarely justified simply in terms of the number of lives saved but also in terms of a myriad of other trade-off factors including value-for-money or cost-effectiveness. The data suggest the incremental costs per life-year gained related to the economic shutdown can span a wide range depending on the baseline number of deaths in the absence of any containment measures.
The study attempts to find if the stimulus package can be deemed cost-effective. The study also attempts to fund out if shutdown measures are too restrictive resulting in massive economic shock to individuals.
The study was initially conducted using US data is now being replicated for other countries including Canada.
Accepting Students
Recreate the study using Canada data. Note that this student work is not a funded opportunity but more of a learning opportunity. Funds may be found from other sources within the university.
