Market access and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) for medical technologies in Europe, critical fields that have garnered substantial attention, are further elucidated by Cangelosi et al.’s systematic review, which scrutinizes the role of health technology assessments (HTAs) in the procurement of medical devices. The study is a clarion call for a deeper understanding of how HTA data guide procurement decisions, a domain where evidence remains scant.
The comprehensive review by Cangelosi et al. encompasses 11 studies that explore various methodologies for employing HTA in the procurement process. These methodologies range from national-level HTA applications to the development of health technology assessment processes within hospitals to aid local decision-making. Despite the diversity in geographic locations and HTA maturity levels among the studies, a common theme emerges: there is a conspicuous gap in evidence demonstrating the influence of HTA on procurement decisions. This gap not only underscores the need for greater transparency in the procurement process but also highlights an overarching reluctance among procurement bodies to disseminate their decision-making processes.
This reluctance contributes to the obscurity surrounding the criteria and information utilized in procurement decisions. The review reveals that while some procurement decisions consider standard HTA factors like efficacy, cost, cost-effectiveness, and budget impact, broader considerations such as organizational impact, ethical aspects, staff workload, and volume are also factored in. However, device-specific characteristics like life cycle, learning curve, or incremental technical innovation receive scant attention. Moreover, the direct reference to HTA reports in procurement decisions is rare, and few HTA reports incorporate a procurement perspective to guide procurement entities.
Revealing Health Technology Assessment’s Underuse in Medical Procurement
Cangelosi et al.’s systematic review, involving the screening of 292 studies to pinpoint 11 that met inclusion criteria, highlights a significant underutilization of HTA in medical device procurement. This underutilization points to a broader issue: the potential misalignment between HTA processes and the needs of procurement bodies.
The findings advocate for enhanced transparency and incentivization for the publication of procurement-related research. Such steps are crucial for bridging the gap between HTA and procurement, ensuring that HTA processes are better aligned with procurement requirements.
Improved Health Technology Assessment and Procurement Integration for Medical Innovation
The authors call for further research to delineate the link between HTA and procurement more clearly. This research could furnish HTA agencies with the insights needed to tailor their assessments more effectively toward procurement bodies’ needs. Additionally, it could help device sponsors prioritize the evidence generation that resonates with procurement criteria.
Ultimately, this synergy between HTA and procurement could reduce redundancy, elevate the quality of evidence, and lead to savings within healthcare systems, thereby expanding access to innovative medical technologies.
In conclusion, the systematic review by Cangelosi et al. sheds light on a critical aspect of healthcare system efficiency: the integration of HTA into medical device procurement. By pinpointing the current deficiencies and advocating for strategic improvements, this study paves the way for a more informed, transparent, and evidence-based procurement process. The potential benefits are manifold, ranging from enhanced healthcare delivery to broader access to cutting-edge medical technologies, emphasizing the necessity of fortifying the nexus between HTA and procurement in healthcare systems.
Resource: Med Tech Reimbursement Consulting, February 16, 2024
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