In the medical technology field, market access and health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) are crucial for guiding the introduction and distribution of new medical devices within European healthcare systems, highlighted by Cangelosi et al.’s systematic review that examines the impact of health technology assessments (HTAs) on medical device procurement decisions.
Health technology assessments serve as a multidisciplinary process that summarizes information about the medical, social, economic, and ethical issues related to the use of health technology in a systematic, transparent, unbiased, and robust manner. Their role is to inform policy and decision-making in healthcare, particularly in the allocation of resources and the adoption of new technologies. However, the extent to which health technology assessments findings impact the procurement decisions for medical devices has remained relatively unexplored until the study by Cangelosi et al.
In their systematic review, Cangelosi et al. delved into 11 studies that were pertinent to understanding the relationship between HTA data and medical device procurement processes. Their investigation aimed to uncover the criteria that healthcare procurement officials consider when making purchasing decisions and to evaluate the presence and extent of HTA’s influence on these decisions.
The findings from their comprehensive review presented a striking observation: there is minimal evidence to suggest that HTA data significantly influences procurement decisions for medical devices. This revelation points to a gap in the integration of comprehensive HTA into the procurement process, which is crucial for ensuring that purchasing decisions are informed by rigorous and comprehensive evaluations of the technologies in question.
The Need for Transparency and Incentives in Health Technology Assessments Integration
The review highlighted several key areas that require attention to bridge this gap between HTA and procurement. First, there is a pressing need for enhanced transparency in how procurement decisions are made and the extent to which HTA data informs these decisions. This transparency is essential not only for accountability but also for understanding the dynamics at play in the procurement process and how best to integrate HTA findings effectively.
Second, the authors pointed out the lack of incentivization for publishing work related to procurement processes and decisions. Encouraging the dissemination of this information could foster a more open environment for sharing best practices, challenges, and insights related to the use of health technology assessments in procurement, ultimately contributing to a more informed and evidence-based approach to purchasing medical devices.
Research Directions for Enhanced Healthcare Efficiency and Outcomes
Lastly, Cangelosi et al. called for further research to solidify the connection between HTA and procurement. This research could explore effective strategies for integrating HTA findings into procurement processes, assess the impact of such integration on healthcare outcomes and resource allocation, and identify barriers to the effective use of HTA in procurement decisions. Strengthening this connection is imperative for optimizing resource allocation and expanding access to innovative medical technologies, thereby improving patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of healthcare systems.
In conclusion, the systematic review by Cangelosi et al. sheds light on a significant yet underexplored aspect of healthcare policy and decision-making: the role of health technology assessments in the procurement of medical devices. By identifying the current limitations in the use of HTA data in procurement decisions and outlining key areas for improvement, this review sets the stage for future endeavors aimed at enhancing the integration of HTA into procurement processes. Such efforts are vital for ensuring that healthcare systems can effectively and efficiently allocate resources to adopt medical technologies that offer genuine value to patients and society at large.
Resource: Med Tech Reimbursement Consulting, February 13, 2024
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