Dr Duncan Mortimer is an Associate Professor (Research) and Head of Teaching at Monash University’s Centre for Health Economics (CHE).
He holds academic qualifications in economics and psychology from the University of Adelaide and in economics and health economics from Monash University.
His current research interests include the economics of charitable giving, the role of incentives in promoting pro-social behaviours, and the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of behavioural economics strategies in promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Duncan brings to CHE more than fifteen years of experience conducting applied health economics research and economic evaluation.
His past research work includes the development of a microeconomic model of drug-resistant malaria for the World Health Organization; trial-based and modelled economic evaluations alongside the IMPLEMENT, ALIGN, IRIS and SHiQ trials; preparation of commentaries on new applications to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee; and econometric modelling of pricing in the market for GP services.
Findings from Duncan’s work have influenced health policy and health system design both nationally and internationally; improving quality, access and affordability of health services for end-users. Recently, he was part of a team contracted by the World Bank to gather and analyse data describing the cost and distribution of primary care services in the Solomon Islands.
Results from this research helped to identify underserved populations and areas, and quantified costs associated with border crossing to attend the National Referral Hospital. These results informed key reforms in delivery and funding of health care in the Solomon Islands under the National Health Strategic Plan, including reconfiguration of health services to change the mix and location of community health centres, area health centres and Provincial hospitals.
