Rowena Jacobs, Professor of Health Economics and Deputy Director, Centre for Health Economics
Rowena has a PhD in Economics from the University of York and an MCom Degree in Economics (cum laude) from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.
She has expertise in the economics of mental health and mental health policy. She has interests in the linkage and use of large and complex datasets and the application of advanced statistical methods to interrogate big data and inform mental health policy.
email: rowena.jacobs@york.ac.uk
Our 60-second interview with Rowena:
What do you do in the field of mental health?
I am a mental health economist so I study economic factors in the provision, organisation, delivery and use of mental health services (what economists call supply-side factors). I am also interested in studying the socio-economic determinants of mental illness (or demand-side factors). My work is particularly focused towards using this knowledge to inform policy.
What do you find most rewarding and inspiring in this work?
The economic impacts of mental illness are enormous and there is a growing recognition of the value of examining mental health challenges through the lens of economics. When I started in this field more than a decade ago, there was very little research being done, now it is a burgeoning sub-discipline with many brilliant researchers making exciting contributions.
What is the most challenging or complicated aspect of this work?
I am particularly interested in using and linking different datasets to address complex policy questions and using the best methods to interrogate such data. There can be complicated challenges in obtaining, cleaning and analysing such data!
What impact do you hope your work is having- or can potentially have?
My work, with that of my colleagues, has been used by policymakers in the NHS, in the design and use of classification systems to account for activity in mental health services. I have also advised various policymakers in different countries on the design of mental health payment systems. My work has also fed into policy around incentives to improve care for people with serious mental illness.
Could you share with us one piece of advice that you follow for your own mental health?
Try to practise some deep breathing, spend some time in nature, get some exercise, connect with friends and family, and get some sleep! But don’t be too hard on yourself or take things too seriously.